This compound is a key intermediate in the synthesis of oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent primarily used for treating advanced colorectal cancer. The specific (1R,2R)-trans stereochemistry of the 1,2-cyclohexanediamine ligand enhances the drug's selectivity for cancer cells, reduces nephrotoxicity compared to earlier platinum drugs like cisplatin, and contributes to its mechanism of action by forming DNA adducts that inhibit replication and transcription in rapidly dividing tumor cells. It is utilized in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to produce this targeted anticancer medication, often in combination with other therapies like 5-fluorouracil to improve efficacy and overcome resistance.