Used primarily in the field of medicinal chemistry and drug development, this compound serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of nucleoside analogs. These analogs are crucial for the development of antiviral and anticancer agents, particularly in the treatment of diseases like HIV and hepatitis B. Its ethynyl group allows for further chemical modifications, enabling the creation of targeted therapies that can inhibit viral replication or interfere with cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, it plays a role in research focused on understanding DNA repair mechanisms and nucleotide metabolism, contributing to advancements in molecular biology and biochemistry.