Used in biochemical research and pharmaceutical development, particularly in the synthesis of nucleoside analogs for antiviral and anticancer drugs. Serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of modified nucleosides that mimic natural substrates in DNA replication, helping to inhibit viral polymerases or disrupt tumor cell proliferation. Also employed in enzymatic and metabolic studies to understand nucleotide metabolism and enzyme mechanisms. Its structural role in forming stable glycosidic bonds makes it valuable in designing therapeutic oligonucleotides and prodrugs.