Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active compounds, particularly in pharmaceuticals targeting central nervous system disorders. It serves as a building block in the development of serotonin receptor modulators and has been explored in the design of antipsychotic and antidepressant agents. Its structure supports enhanced metabolic stability and binding affinity due to the trifluoromethyl group, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing drug candidates. Also employed in the preparation of fluorescent probes for biochemical assays owing to its favorable photophysical properties.