This compound is primarily utilized in the field of medicinal chemistry as a key intermediate in the synthesis of small molecule drugs. Its structure, featuring trifluoromethyl groups and a thioxomethyl moiety, makes it valuable in the development of protease inhibitors, particularly those targeting viral or cancer-related enzymes. The presence of the phenylmethyl group enhances its ability to interact with hydrophobic regions of target proteins, improving binding affinity. It is often employed in research focused on optimizing drug candidates for improved pharmacokinetic properties, such as metabolic stability and bioavailability. Additionally, its unique stereochemistry allows for the exploration of enantioselective interactions in drug design.