This chemical is primarily used in the synthesis of nucleoside analogs, which are crucial in the development of antiviral and anticancer drugs. It serves as a protected form of uridine, allowing for selective modification of the nucleoside structure without affecting the reactive sites. This protection is essential in creating compounds with enhanced therapeutic properties. Additionally, it is employed in research to study RNA metabolism and to develop novel RNA-based therapies. Its role in organic synthesis also extends to the production of modified nucleotides for biochemical studies and drug discovery.