Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules and drug candidates targeting central nervous system disorders. Its trifluoromethyl group enhances metabolic stability and lipophilicity, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for improving drug potency and bioavailability. Also employed in the preparation of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and other targeted therapies. Commonly utilized in research settings for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its rigid isoindoline scaffold and electron-withdrawing substituent.