Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents. Its structure allows for functionalization at multiple sites, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building pyrimidine-based heterocycles. Commonly employed in nucleoside analog synthesis, where the iodine moiety facilitates coupling reactions such as Suzuki or Stille cross-couplings. Also utilized in the preparation of kinase inhibitors and other biologically active molecules targeting cellular replication pathways. Its ester group enables further derivatization, enhancing solubility or bioavailability in drug design.