Widely used in molecular biology and pharmaceutical research as a key intermediate in nucleoside synthesis. Serves as a building block for antiviral and anticancer agents, particularly in the development of reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Commonly employed in the preparation of modified RNA and DNA for therapeutic oligonucleotides, including antisense and siRNA technologies. Also utilized in enzymatic assays involving kinases and polymerases due to its structural similarity to natural nucleosides.