Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of sofosbuvir, a nucleoside analog antiviral drug for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This compound contributes to the formation of modified uridine nucleotides that act as chain terminators by inhibiting the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, thereby preventing HCV replication. It is primarily applied in pharmaceutical manufacturing and research focused on HCV therapeutics, with potential exploration in other RNA virus treatments.