This chemical is primarily utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and organic compounds, where it serves as a key intermediate. Its structure, featuring both a hydroxymethyl and a carboxylic acid group, makes it valuable for creating complex molecules, particularly in drug development. The fluorine atom enhances the biological activity and stability of the resulting compounds, making it useful in the design of bioactive molecules. Additionally, it is employed in research settings for studying enzyme interactions and metabolic pathways due to its unique chemical properties. Its applications also extend to material science, where it is used in the development of advanced polymers and coatings.