Used primarily in biochemical research, this compound serves as a modified nucleoside to study DNA damage and repair mechanisms. It is incorporated into DNA strands to investigate the effects of brominated bases on DNA structure and function. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of therapeutic agents targeting cancer, as it helps in understanding how modified nucleosides can induce cell death or inhibit tumor growth. Its application extends to the synthesis of oligonucleotides for probing enzyme activities related to DNA metabolism.