Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents. Its structure supports the formation of pyrimidine-based nucleoside analogs, which are important in drug design for targeting enzyme systems in viruses and tumor cells. Also employed in the preparation of agrochemicals and functional materials due to its ability to undergo diverse chemical transformations, such as ester hydrolysis, condensation, and cyclization reactions. Its hydroxyl and ester groups allow for easy modification, making it valuable in combinatorial chemistry and medicinal research.