Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of fluorinated active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where the trifluoromethyl group enhances metabolic stability and bioavailability. Commonly employed in the development of anti-inflammatory agents, central nervous system (CNS) drugs, and antidiabetic compounds. Its ketoester functionality allows for versatile chemical transformations, including condensation, reduction, and cyclization reactions, making it valuable in building complex molecular structures in medicinal chemistry. Also utilized in agrochemical synthesis for creating fluorinated pesticides and herbicides with improved environmental persistence and target specificity.