Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral agents, particularly nucleoside analogs. Its fluorinated sugar moiety enhances metabolic stability and promotes better cell membrane penetration, making it valuable in developing drugs targeting RNA viruses. Commonly employed in the preparation of modified nucleosides for investigational therapies, including those explored for hepatitis and other viral infections. The benzoyl groups act as protecting groups during synthesis, allowing selective reactions at specific sites. This compound is primarily utilized in research settings for structure-activity relationship studies in medicinal chemistry.