Used primarily in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of antiviral and anticancer drugs. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of nucleoside analogs, which are critical for inhibiting viral replication and targeting cancer cells. Additionally, it is employed in biochemical research to study enzyme mechanisms and nucleotide interactions, aiding in the discovery of new therapeutic agents. Its role in modifying purine bases also makes it valuable in the development of novel drug candidates with enhanced efficacy and specificity.