Used as a building block in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of nucleosides and nucleotides. It serves as a chiral scaffold in pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds due to its stereochemistry and functional groups. Commonly employed in the synthesis of antiviral and anticancer agents. Also utilized in the development of modified sugars and glycoconjugates for biochemical research. Its hydrochloride salt form enhances solubility and stability in aqueous environments, making it suitable for solution-phase reactions.