2,6-Diaminopurine is primarily used in biochemical research as a purine analog. It serves as a tool to study nucleic acid metabolism and enzyme mechanisms, particularly in the context of DNA and RNA synthesis. This compound is also utilized in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents due to its ability to interfere with nucleotide incorporation, which can inhibit the replication of certain viruses and cancer cells. Additionally, it has been explored in the synthesis of modified nucleosides and nucleotides for potential therapeutic applications.