Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active compounds. Its structure supports the creation of selective receptor modulators, including those targeting serotonin and dopamine receptors. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for optimizing metabolic stability and bioavailability due to the presence of the trifluoromethoxy group. Also utilized in research settings for generating novel analogs in drug discovery programs focused on neurological disorders and mood regulation.