Used in the synthesis of purine nucleotides, this compound serves as a key intermediate in both pharmaceutical and biochemical research. It plays an important role in the preparation of antiviral and anticancer agents, particularly in the development of nucleoside analogs. It is also employed in the study of metabolic pathways involving purine biosynthesis, helping researchers understand enzyme mechanisms and regulation in cellular processes. Due to its functional groups, it is valuable in organic synthesis for building nitrogen-containing heterocycles.