This compound is primarily used in the field of antiviral research, particularly in the development of nucleoside analogs. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral drugs, especially those targeting viral replication processes. Its structure, which includes a fluorinated sugar moiety, is crucial for enhancing the stability and efficacy of the resulting pharmaceutical agents. Researchers utilize it to create compounds that can inhibit viral enzymes, such as polymerases or reverse transcriptases, making it valuable in the fight against viral infections like hepatitis B, HIV, and other RNA or DNA viruses. Its application is largely confined to laboratory settings for drug discovery and development.