Used as a biochemical reagent in glycosylation studies, particularly in the synthesis of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. It serves as a glycosyl acceptor or intermediate in enzymatic and chemical glycosylation reactions, aiding in the construction of complex carbohydrate structures found in glycoproteins and cell surface antigens. Its modified sugar moiety enhances solubility and reactivity in aqueous and organic solvent systems, making it valuable in drug development and molecular recognition research.