Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of fluorinated pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system agents. Its trifluoromethyl group enhances metabolic stability and bioavailability in drug candidates. Also employed in the preparation of novel fluorinated building blocks for medicinal chemistry and in the design of PET imaging agents due to favorable pharmacokinetic properties imparted by the fluorine atoms.