Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral medications, particularly in the development of nucleoside analogs. These analogs interfere with viral replication by mimicking natural nucleosides, leading to chain termination or error catastrophe in viral RNA. It plays a critical role in the production of drugs targeting RNA viruses, including certain strains of influenza and coronaviruses. Its structural features allow for selective modification to enhance bioavailability, metabolic stability, and target specificity in pharmaceutical formulations.