Used in the synthesis of antiviral drugs, particularly as an intermediate in nucleoside analogs that inhibit viral replication. It plays a role in developing therapeutics targeting RNA viruses due to its structural similarity to natural nucleosides, allowing it to interfere with viral RNA synthesis. Also investigated for potential use in cancer treatment due to its ability to disrupt DNA or RNA metabolism in rapidly dividing cells. Employed in research settings for designing modified nucleic acids used in molecular biology and drug discovery.