Used in pharmaceutical research as a key intermediate in the synthesis of kinase inhibitors, particularly for anticancer drugs. It serves as a building block in developing compounds that target signaling pathways involved in tumor growth and proliferation. Its structure allows for modification to enhance selectivity and potency against specific protein kinases. Also explored in the development of antiviral agents due to its resemblance to purine-based nucleosides. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to optimize drug candidates.