Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of purine-based drugs. It plays a role in creating analogs with potential antiviral, anticancer, or immunosuppressive activity. The 2- and 6-chloro groups and the ester functional group allow for selective modifications, such as nucleophilic substitutions with amino or hydroxy groups, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex heterocyclic systems. Commonly employed in research settings to develop nucleoside derivatives and kinase inhibitors.