This compound is primarily utilized in organic synthesis as an intermediate for the development of more complex chemical structures. Its unique functional groups, including the fluoro and iodo substituents, make it valuable for cross-coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Sonogashira couplings, which are essential in pharmaceutical research and drug development. The tert-butyl carboxylate group provides stability and can be selectively removed or modified, enabling the synthesis of diverse indole derivatives. These derivatives are often explored for their potential biological activities, particularly in the design of compounds targeting neurological disorders, cancer, or infectious diseases. Its role in medicinal chemistry is significant due to the indole scaffold's prevalence in many bioactive molecules.