Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents. Its structure supports the construction of nucleoside analogs, which can interfere with viral replication or tumor growth. Also employed in the preparation of functionalized pyrimidine derivatives for research in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. The iodine substituent allows for further modification via cross-coupling reactions, making it valuable in building complex molecules for biological evaluation.