Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, this compound enables the introduction of fluorinated benzyl and trifluoromethyl moieties into larger molecules. The presence of fluorine atoms enhances metabolic stability and lipophilicity, making it valuable in drug design, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules with improved pharmacokinetic profiles. It is also employed in the preparation of fluorinated analogs for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. Its reactivity allows for selective transformations in multi-step organic syntheses, especially in the creation of sulfide-based linkages found in certain antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents.