Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of complex carbohydrate-based molecules, particularly in the development of glycosidase inhibitors and glycoconjugate vaccines. Its protected galactose structure with aromatic ester groups enhances solubility and stability during glycosylation reactions, making it valuable in selective oligosaccharide assembly. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for designing compounds targeting cancer, viral infections, and metabolic disorders involving carbohydrate recognition.