4,4-Difluoro-but-2-enoic acid is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as a building block for the development of more complex chemical compounds. Its unique structure, featuring fluorine atoms, makes it valuable in the creation of fluorinated organic molecules, which are often sought after in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals due to their enhanced stability and biological activity. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in the production of specialty chemicals, including polymers and coatings, where its fluorinated nature can impart desirable properties such as resistance to heat, chemicals, and UV degradation. In research, it is employed in the study of reaction mechanisms involving fluorinated alkenes and carboxylic acids, contributing to advancements in synthetic methodologies.