(2,4-Difluoro-6-methylphenyl)methanol is primarily used as an intermediate in the synthesis of more complex chemical compounds, particularly in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Its structure, featuring both fluorine and a hydroxyl group, makes it a valuable building block for creating molecules with specific biological activities.

In pharmaceuticals, it can be utilized in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for drugs targeting various diseases, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, or anticancer agents. The fluorine atoms in the compound often enhance the bioavailability and metabolic stability of the resulting drug molecules.

In agrochemicals, it serves as a precursor for the synthesis of herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides. The fluorine substituents can improve the efficacy and selectivity of these agrochemicals, making them more effective at lower doses.

Additionally, this compound may find applications in material science, particularly in the development of specialty polymers or coatings, where its unique chemical structure can impart desirable properties such as thermal stability or resistance to degradation.