Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other central nervous system agents. Its fluorinated aromatic structure enhances metabolic stability and membrane permeability, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry. Also employed in the preparation of agrochemicals and functional materials where electron-withdrawing substituents improve performance. The carboxylic acid group allows for easy derivatization, enabling coupling reactions to form esters, amides, or other conjugates for structure-activity relationship studies.