2'-C-ethynyluridine is primarily utilized in the field of antiviral research and drug development. Its unique structure allows it to act as a nucleoside analog, which can inhibit the replication of certain viruses by incorporating into viral RNA and disrupting the viral replication process. This compound has shown potential in the study of RNA viruses, including hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other related pathogens. Researchers are exploring its efficacy in developing antiviral therapies that target the viral polymerase, thereby preventing the virus from multiplying within the host. Additionally, its ethynyl group provides a reactive handle for further chemical modifications, making it a valuable building block in the synthesis of more complex antiviral agents or probes for studying viral mechanisms.