Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of neuroactive compounds and enzyme inhibitors. Its trifluoromethyl group enhances metabolic stability and lipid solubility, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for improving drug bioavailability. Commonly employed in the preparation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs targeting central nervous system disorders. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis and as a structural motif in agrochemicals and specialty materials.