1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-carbonitrile is a key intermediate primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of citalopram and escitalopram, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) employed as antidepressants to treat central nervous system disorders such as depression and anxiety. The fluorophenyl and carbonitrile groups are critical for the structure, efficacy, and stability of these active pharmaceutical ingredients. Its role in organic synthesis also supports research and development of novel CNS-targeted therapeutics.