It is primarily used in the development of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the synthesis of antiviral and anticancer agents. Its modified structure allows it to act as a building block in creating nucleoside analogs, which are crucial for inhibiting viral replication or targeting cancer cells. This compound is also employed in research studies to investigate metabolic pathways and drug mechanisms, especially in the context of labeled compounds due to its deuterium content. Additionally, it serves as a key intermediate in the production of specialized therapeutic molecules designed for targeted treatments.