Used in the synthesis of antiviral drugs, particularly as an intermediate in the production of nucleoside analogs. These analogs are critical in targeting viral replication processes, especially in RNA viruses. Plays a role in the development of therapeutics for hepatitis and other viral infections due to its structural similarity to natural nucleosides, allowing it to interfere with viral polymerase activity. Also investigated for potential use in cancer treatment due to its ability to disrupt DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells.