Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of bioactive molecules, particularly in pharmaceutical research. Its strained bicyclic structure serves as a rigid scaffold, enabling precise spatial orientation of functional groups in drug design. The aldehyde group allows for further derivatization via reductive amination or condensation reactions, making it valuable in constructing complex amine-containing compounds. Commonly employed in the development of targeted protein degraders and covalent inhibitors due to its ability to mimic tertiary alcohols or act as a bioisostere. Also utilized in fragment-based drug discovery for its favorable physicochemical properties and metabolic stability.