Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system agents. Its fluorinated indole structure enhances binding affinity and metabolic stability in drug candidates. Also employed in the preparation of kinase inhibitors and anti-inflammatory agents due to its ability to modulate biological pathways. The carboxylic acid group allows for easy derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating amide and ester analogs during structure-activity relationship studies.