Used in the synthesis of antiviral and anticancer agents due to its structural similarity to nucleobases. Acts as an intermediate in the preparation of pyrimidine-based pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Also employed in research related to mutagenesis and DNA repair studies because of its ability to tautomerize and potentially mispair during replication. Shows activity in some kinase inhibition pathways, making it useful in signaling pathway research.