Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of pyrimidine-based drugs with potential antiviral and anticancer activities. Its structure allows for easy functionalization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building heterocyclic compounds. It is also employed in the preparation of agrochemicals and dyes due to its reactive thiocarbonyl and ester groups. Commonly utilized in research settings for constructing fused pyrimidine ring systems found in bioactive molecules.