Used primarily as a building block in medicinal chemistry, this compound is valued for its rigid cubane core, which can enhance the metabolic stability and bioavailability of drug candidates. Its hydroxymethyl and ester functional groups allow for further chemical modifications, making it useful in the synthesis of complex molecules. It is often employed in research settings to develop new pharmaceuticals, particularly in programs targeting central nervous system disorders and antiviral therapies. The unique three-dimensional structure helps improve binding selectivity and potency in biologically active compounds.