Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of complex glycoconjugate antibiotics, particularly in the preparation of modified macrolide structures with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Its functional groups allow for selective coupling to sugar moieties and peptide chains, making it valuable in developing targeted drug delivery systems. Commonly employed in research settings to construct novel semi-synthetic antibiotics with improved stability and bioavailability. Also utilized in biochemical studies to probe enzyme-substrate interactions involving glycosylated compounds.