Used in the synthesis of antiviral and anticancer agents due to its modified nucleoside structure. The trifluoromethyl group enhances metabolic stability and binding affinity to target enzymes. It serves as a key intermediate in developing nucleoside analogs that interfere with viral replication or tumor cell proliferation. Commonly applied in pharmaceutical research, especially in designing drugs for hepatitis B, HIV, and certain leukemias. Also utilized in molecular biology studies to probe enzyme mechanisms involving DNA synthesis and repair.