Used in the synthesis of antiviral and anticancer agents due to its structural similarity to nucleosides. It serves as an intermediate in the preparation of modified nucleotides, which can be incorporated into oligonucleotides for therapeutic applications such as RNA interference and antisense technology. Its isobutyrate group enhances lipophilicity, improving cell membrane permeability of prodrug formulations. Commonly utilized in the development of nucleoside analogs targeting viral polymerases or cellular enzymes involved in nucleic acid metabolism.