Used in the synthesis of glycosidase inhibitors, this compound serves as a key intermediate in developing pharmaceuticals for diabetes treatment. It mimics sugar molecules, interfering with carbohydrate metabolism enzymes. Its structure supports design of drugs that regulate blood glucose by slowing breakdown of complex sugars. Also explored in antiviral research due to its ability to disrupt viral glycoprotein processing. Commonly utilized in medicinal chemistry for designing iminosugars with enhanced selectivity and bioavailability.