This chemical is primarily used in the field of nucleic acid research and drug development. It serves as a protected nucleoside derivative, enabling the synthesis of modified oligonucleotides. The 5'-O-DMT group acts as a protecting group during solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, ensuring selective reactions at other sites. The 5-iodo modification allows for further functionalization or cross-linking in the development of therapeutic agents, particularly in antiviral and anticancer research. It is also utilized in radiolabeling studies for tracking and imaging purposes in biological systems. Its applications extend to the study of DNA repair mechanisms and the development of targeted therapies.