Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of selective kinase inhibitors. Its structure supports the formation of bioactive molecules with potential antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for constructing complex drug candidates due to its reactive aldehyde group and favorable electronic properties from the trifluoromethyl moiety. Also utilized in the preparation of pyrrolidine-containing analogs for structure-activity relationship studies.