Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, this compound plays a key role in introducing trifluoromethyl groups into larger molecules, enhancing metabolic stability and lipophilicity. Its hydroxyl functionality allows for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in the development of bioactive compounds. It is also employed in the preparation of specialty polymers and functional materials where fluorinated segments improve thermal and chemical resistance. Due to the presence of both sulfonamide and alcohol groups, it can act as a building block in medicinal chemistry for designing enzyme inhibitors or receptor ligands.