Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral and antiretroviral drugs, particularly in the preparation of nucleoside analogs. Its structure allows for selective protection of hydroxyl groups, making it valuable in multi-step organic syntheses where stereochemistry and functional group compatibility are critical. Commonly employed in the pharmaceutical industry for constructing complex sugar moieties found in bioactive molecules. Also utilized in research settings for developing prodrugs and modified nucleotides with improved metabolic stability.