7-Hydroxycadalene is a sesquiterpenoid compound used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for the preparation of bioactive compounds, particularly in the development of natural product derivatives with potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It shows promise in preliminary studies as a scaffold for terpenoid-based structures of interest in medicinal chemistry. Due to its aromatic characteristics, it is also investigated for its role in the synthesis of fragrances and flavoring agents. Additionally, it has potential as a chemical marker for identifying sources of plant extracts in geochemical or archaeochemical analyses, such as tracking historical plant usage.