Used in biochemical research to study the mechanisms of DNA damage and repair, particularly focusing on the effects of oxidative stress on nucleic acids. It serves as a model compound to understand how modified nucleosides affect cellular processes and to develop methods for detecting and quantifying DNA lesions. Additionally, it is utilized in the synthesis of modified oligonucleotides for investigating the structural and functional impacts of guanine oxidation in DNA and RNA. Its application extends to the development of therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative damage-related diseases.