Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of herbicidal compounds, particularly arylpicolinate-class selective broadleaf herbicides such as florpyrauxifen. Its fluorinated picolinate structure serves as a building block for synthetic auxins that disrupt plant growth regulation by mimicking natural auxin hormones, leading to uncontrolled cell elongation and eventual plant death in susceptible weeds. Commonly employed in agricultural chemistry for developing crop protection agents that offer selectivity for crops like corn and soybeans while minimizing environmental impact. Also utilized in research for creating new fluorinated herbicide analogs with enhanced efficacy and resistance management properties.