Adamantane-2-carboxylic acid is primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical industry due to its unique structural properties. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs, particularly those targeting neurological and viral diseases. Its adamantane core is known to enhance the biological activity and stability of pharmaceutical compounds, making it valuable in the development of antiviral medications, such as those used to treat influenza and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it is employed in the production of polymers and coatings, where its rigid structure contributes to improved material durability and thermal resistance. In research, it is used as a building block for designing novel compounds with potential therapeutic applications.