Used primarily as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in pharmaceutical and materials chemistry. Its reactive bromomethyl group readily undergoes nucleophilic substitution, enabling the attachment of adamantane moieties to various molecules. This property is exploited in drug design to enhance metabolic stability, lipophilicity, and bioavailability. Commonly used in the preparation of adamantane-based derivatives such as antiviral agents, NMDA receptor antagonists, and ligands for catalysis. Also employed in polymer chemistry to introduce rigid, hydrophobic adamantyl units into macromolecules, improving thermal and mechanical properties. Its stability and unique three-dimensional structure make it valuable in the development of supramolecular systems and host–guest chemistry.