This chemical is primarily utilized in biochemical research, particularly in the study of nucleic acids and their interactions. It serves as a modified nucleoside analog, which can be incorporated into DNA or RNA sequences to investigate the effects of structural changes on genetic material. Researchers use it to explore enzyme mechanisms, such as those involving polymerases or nucleases, to understand how these enzymes process modified nucleotides. Additionally, it is employed in the development of antiviral or anticancer agents, as its unique structure can interfere with the replication of viral or tumor DNA. Its applications also extend to the synthesis of oligonucleotides for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, where modified bases are required for specific targeting or stability.