Used in the synthesis of glycosidase inhibitors, this compound serves as a key chiral building block in pharmaceutical research. It is particularly valuable in developing potential antidiabetic and antiviral agents due to its structural similarity to sugar molecules. Its hydroxyl and amino functional groups allow for selective modifications, enabling the design of iminosugars that mimic natural substrates in enzymatic reactions. It is also employed in studies related to lysosomal storage disorders and cancer metastasis, where glycosidase activity plays a critical role.