Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral agents, particularly in the preparation of nucleoside analogs. Its fluorinated tetrahydrofuran structure with multiple protected functional groups makes it valuable for constructing modified sugar moieties found in certain pharmaceuticals. The presence of sulfonate and ester groups allows for selective reactions, enabling efficient chain elongation and stereocontrolled formation of glycosidic bonds. Commonly employed in research and development of drugs targeting RNA viruses, where precise sugar conformation is critical for biological activity.