Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active compounds. Its structure supports the design of ligands targeting dopamine and sigma receptors, making it valuable in research for antipsychotic and neurodegenerative disease treatments. The trifluoromethyl group enhances metabolic stability and lipophilicity, improving blood-brain barrier penetration. It is also employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to optimize drug candidates.