Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of glycosidase inhibitors and other bioactive molecules targeting carbohydrate-processing enzymes. Its protected thiogalactoside structure makes it valuable in selective glycosylation reactions, particularly in the development of anti-inflammatory and antiviral agents. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for constructing glycomimetics—molecules that mimic natural carbohydrates but with enhanced metabolic stability. Also utilized in the preparation of probes for studying glycosyltransferase and glycosidase activity in biochemical assays.