Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require chiral building blocks. Its structure supports the development of compounds with central nervous system activity, including potential antipsychotic and antidepressant agents. Also employed in the preparation of agrochemicals, where the trifluoromethyl group enhances metabolic stability and bioavailability. The compound's stereochemistry makes it valuable in asymmetric synthesis, contributing to the creation of enantiomerically pure drugs. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the development of liquid crystals and specialty materials due to its rigid aromatic backbone and polar functional groups.