Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral medications, particularly nucleoside analogs. Its fluorinated sugar moiety enables selective modification of nucleosides to enhance metabolic stability and bioavailability. Commonly employed in the preparation of modified RNA building blocks for therapeutic oligonucleotides and in the development of reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The benzoyl protecting groups allow controlled deprotection during stepwise synthesis, making it valuable in pharmaceutical research and development.