2,4-Difluoroiodobenzene is primarily used as a building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its structure allows for versatile reactions, such as cross-coupling processes, making it valuable in creating complex molecules. It is often employed in palladium-catalyzed reactions, including Suzuki and Sonogashira couplings, to introduce aromatic fluorine and iodine groups into target compounds. This chemical is also utilized in the synthesis of fluorinated aromatic compounds, which are important in drug discovery due to their enhanced metabolic stability and bioavailability. Additionally, it serves as a precursor in the preparation of liquid crystals and advanced materials.