Used primarily in research as a nucleoside analog, this compound serves as a building block in the synthesis of modified oligonucleotides for antisense therapy and RNA interference studies. It is also employed in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents due to its ability to interfere with viral replication and cellular proliferation. Its L-configuration makes it resistant to degradation by many nucleases, enhancing stability in biological systems. Additionally, it finds use in molecular biology for labeling nucleic acids and studying enzyme mechanisms involving DNA or RNA polymerases.