Used primarily in biochemical research, this compound serves as a key substrate in enzymatic studies, particularly those involving thymidylate synthase and other nucleotide metabolism enzymes. It is also employed in the synthesis of modified nucleotides for use in molecular biology applications, such as DNA sequencing and PCR. Additionally, it plays a role in the development of antiviral and anticancer drugs, as it can be incorporated into nucleic acids to study their effects on cellular processes. Its disodium salt form enhances solubility, making it suitable for various in vitro experiments.