This compound, known as 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxyarabinofuranosyladenine (2'-F-ara-A), serves as a critical intermediate in the synthesis of fludarabine, a nucleoside analog prodrug primarily used in the treatment of hematological cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia. By mimicking natural nucleosides, it incorporates into the DNA of rapidly dividing cancer cells, causing chain termination and inhibiting DNA synthesis, which halts cell proliferation. Its modified arabinosyl structure enhances stability and selectivity compared to natural counterparts. Additionally, 2'-F-ara-A has been explored in antiviral research for its potential to inhibit viral replication in DNA viruses, including herpesviruses, by targeting viral enzymes and nucleic acid synthesis, offering pathways for developing targeted therapies against viral infections.