Used primarily in biochemical research, 2-Deoxy-L-ribose plays a crucial role in the synthesis of nucleosides and nucleotides, which are fundamental components of DNA. It is also employed in the study of metabolic pathways, particularly those involving carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, this compound is utilized in the development of antiviral and anticancer drugs, where it serves as a building block for modified nucleosides that can inhibit the replication of viruses or cancer cells. In the field of organic chemistry, it is used as a chiral starting material for the synthesis of complex molecules, aiding in the exploration of stereochemical reactions and enzyme mechanisms.