Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents. Its aldehyde functional group allows for easy modification, enabling the formation of Schiff bases or other derivatives that can be further processed into biologically active molecules. Commonly employed in heterocyclic chemistry to build fused ring systems with potential therapeutic properties. Also utilized in the preparation of nucleoside analogs, which mimic natural nucleosides and interfere with viral replication or tumor cell proliferation. Its structural similarity to pyrimidine bases makes it valuable in medicinal chemistry research.