Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents. Its structure supports the formation of pyrimidine-based nucleoside analogs, which are important in drug design for targeting DNA or RNA synthesis in pathogens or tumor cells. Also employed in agrochemicals for creating herbicides and pesticides due to its ability to interfere with metabolic pathways in pests. Its functional groups allow for easy modification, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry research and development.