Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) where trifluoromethyl and bromo substituents are needed for further functionalization. The bromine allows for cross-coupling reactions such as Suzuki or Heck reactions, enabling the construction of complex aromatic systems. The alcohol group can be easily modified through esterification, oxidation, or ether formation, making it versatile for medicinal chemistry applications. Commonly employed in research settings for the preparation of bioactive molecules and agrochemicals.