Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, particularly in the development of bioactive molecules where the trifluoromethoxy group enhances metabolic stability and lipophilicity. Its thiol functionality allows for conjugation or derivatization, making it valuable in building complex organic structures. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its ability to modulate electronic and steric properties in drug candidates.