Methyl D-ribofuranoside, a mixture of its α and β forms, is primarily used in biochemical research and organic synthesis. It serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of nucleosides and nucleotides, which are essential for studying DNA and RNA structures. This compound is also utilized in the development of antiviral and anticancer drugs due to its role in mimicking natural sugar moieties. Additionally, it finds application in glycobiology for synthesizing complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates, aiding in the understanding of cell signaling and communication processes. Its stability and reactivity make it a valuable tool in enzymatic studies and carbohydrate chemistry.