Used primarily as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment. It serves as a building block in medicinal chemistry due to its structural similarity to purine bases, allowing it to interact with enzyme active sites involved in cell signaling pathways. Its derivatives are explored for anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective activities. Also employed in research settings to design selective probes for biochemical assays targeting specific protein families.