Used in pharmaceutical research as a key intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents. Shows potential in the design of neuroprotective drugs and cognitive enhancers due to its structural affinity with neurotransmitter modulators. Also employed in the preparation of analogs for structure-activity relationship studies targeting receptor subtypes involved in neurological disorders. Its trifluoromethyl and hydroxymethyl functional groups allow for selective derivatization, improving drug solubility and metabolic stability.