Used primarily in biochemical research, this compound serves as a modified nucleoside to study DNA repair mechanisms and mutagenesis. It is particularly valuable in understanding how alkylating agents interact with DNA, leading to insights into carcinogenesis and the development of anticancer therapies. Additionally, it aids in the exploration of enzymatic processes involved in nucleotide excision repair, providing a deeper understanding of cellular responses to DNA damage. Its application extends to the synthesis of oligonucleotides for probing DNA structure and function in various experimental settings.