Used primarily in organic synthesis, it serves as a key intermediate in the production of various pharmaceuticals, particularly antiviral and anticancer agents. Its nitro group makes it a valuable building block for creating more complex molecules with potential therapeutic properties. Additionally, it is utilized in research to study nucleic acid chemistry and to develop novel compounds with biological activity. Its role in the synthesis of nucleoside analogs is particularly significant, as these analogs are crucial in designing drugs that target viral replication and cancer cell proliferation.