Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of central nervous system agents and antidepressants. Its structure allows for the introduction of fluorinated aromatic moieties, which can enhance metabolic stability and binding affinity in drug molecules. Also employed in the preparation of fine chemicals and functionalized organic compounds where a reactive aldehyde group is needed for further transformation. Its fluorinated phenylacetaldehyde framework is valuable in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship studies.