Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral medications, particularly nucleoside analogs that inhibit viral replication. It plays a critical role in the development of drugs targeting DNA and RNA viruses by mimicking natural nucleosides, thereby interfering with viral nucleic acid synthesis. Commonly employed in pharmaceutical research for designing therapeutics against hepatitis, HIV, and other viral infections, as well as anticancer agents. Its structural features allow for selective modification to enhance drug efficacy, metabolic stability, and cellular uptake. Also utilized in biochemical studies to probe enzyme mechanisms involving purine metabolism.