Primarily utilized in biochemical research, this compound serves as a nucleoside analog to study the mechanisms of DNA and RNA synthesis. It is particularly valuable in investigating the incorporation of modified nucleosides into nucleic acids, which aids in understanding the structural and functional impacts of such modifications. Additionally, it is employed in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents, where it acts by inhibiting the replication of viral or cancerous DNA. Its fluorine substitution enhances its metabolic stability, making it a useful tool in probing enzyme activities and designing therapeutic molecules.