Used in research as a modified nucleoside for studying DNA synthesis and polymerase mechanisms. Acts as a chain terminator in some enzymatic reactions, making it valuable in molecular biology techniques that require controlled DNA elongation. Also explored for potential antiviral properties due to its structural similarity to thymidine analogs known to interfere with viral replication. Its chloro modification enhances stability and alters substrate recognition in certain enzyme systems, useful in biochemical assays and drug development studies.