Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents. Its structure allows for selective modifications, making it valuable in creating pyrimidine-based drug candidates. It is also employed in the preparation of nucleoside analogs, which mimic natural nucleosides and interfere with viral replication or tumor growth. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the design of kinase inhibitors and other biologically active molecules in medicinal chemistry research.