Used primarily in biochemical research, this compound serves as a modified nucleoside for studying DNA repair mechanisms and nucleotide metabolism. It is often incorporated into DNA strands to investigate the effects of modified bases on DNA replication and repair processes. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of antiviral and anticancer drugs, where its incorporation into nucleic acids can inhibit the replication of viral or cancerous cells. The carboxyl group allows for further chemical modifications, making it valuable in the synthesis of nucleotide analogs for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.