Used as a fluorinated coupling agent in the synthesis of perfluorinated polymers and specialty surfactants. Its terminal iodine groups allow for efficient coupling reactions, particularly in radical-initiated polymerizations, enhancing thermal and chemical stability of resulting materials. Commonly applied in surface treatments to create water- and oil-repellent coatings for textiles, electronics, and medical devices. Also serves as a building block in the development of fluorous tags and phase-transfer agents for use in separation processes and catalysis. Its high fluorine content contributes to low surface energy and improved hydrophobicity in coatings and films.