Used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, particularly in the development of selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It serves as a chiral building block in asymmetric synthesis, enabling the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients with high enantiomeric purity. Its trifluoromethyl group enhances metabolic stability and lipophilicity, making it valuable in optimizing drug candidates for central nervous system disorders. Commonly employed in research settings for developing antidepressants and anxiolytic agents.