Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral agents, particularly in the preparation of nucleoside analogs. Its protected sugar moiety allows selective modification during oligonucleotide assembly, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for developing RNA-targeted therapeutics. Commonly employed in solid-phase synthesis for antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA due to its stability and high coupling efficiency. Also utilized in research settings for studying enzyme inhibition and nucleic acid interactions.