Used in biochemical research as a nucleotide analog, particularly in studies involving enzyme inhibition and signal transduction pathways. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of modified nucleotides that mimic natural substrates, enabling investigation of kinase and phosphatase activity. Its structure allows integration into cellular systems to probe ATP-binding sites in proteins, making it valuable in drug development for cancers and antiviral therapies. Also employed in the design of prodrugs due to its esterified form, enhancing cell membrane permeability.