Used in organic synthesis as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals and biologically active compounds, particularly in the development of nucleoside analogs with potential antiviral or anticancer properties. Its structure is similar to guanine, a natural base in DNA and RNA, allowing it to incorporate into nucleic acid strands and disrupt viral replication or cancer cell division.

Serves as a building block in the preparation of modified nucleic acids for research in molecular biology and genetics. Also employed in studies involving DNA repair mechanisms and mutagenesis due to its ability to influence base pairing behavior.

Additionally, 8-Bromoguanine is used in structural studies of DNA and proteins to understand the mechanisms of enzymes involved in DNA repair or genetic decoding. The bromine group facilitates tracking or analyzing molecular changes through techniques such as X-ray crystallography.

In some cases, it is developed as an enzyme inhibitor, such as inhibiting xanthine oxidase, which is associated with inflammation and gout, thus having potential for future drug development.