Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of fluorinated active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the fluorine and bromine substituents allow for further functionalization through cross-coupling reactions. Its hydroxymethyl group enables conversion to aldehydes, acids, or esters, making it valuable in building complex organic molecules. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for creating analogs in drug discovery programs targeting central nervous system disorders and inflammatory diseases. Also utilized in agrochemical research for designing novel pesticides with enhanced metabolic stability and bioavailability.