Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of fluorinated drug candidates where the iodine moiety allows for further functionalization via cross-coupling reactions. Its methyl ester group facilitates solubility and reactivity in organic transformations, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex aromatic structures. The presence of fluorine atoms enhances metabolic stability and membrane permeability in final active compounds. Commonly employed in research settings for designing kinase inhibitors and other bioactive molecules.