Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) agents. It shows utility in creating analogs for serotonin and dopamine receptor modulators, making it valuable in research for antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cognitive enhancers. Its trifluoroethyl group enhances metabolic stability and blood-brain barrier penetration, which improves drug efficacy in neuroactive compounds. Also employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its rigid indole scaffold and electron-withdrawing substituent.