Used in biochemical research to study enzyme mechanisms, particularly those involving adenosine deaminase and other nucleoside-modifying enzymes. It serves as a substrate analog to investigate the role of adenosine in cellular processes, such as signal transduction and metabolism. Additionally, it is employed in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents due to its ability to interfere with nucleic acid synthesis. Its thiol group makes it a useful tool for probing the active sites of enzymes and for modifying biomolecules in studies of structure-function relationships.