Used in the synthesis of glycosides and carbohydrate-based natural products, this compound serves as a key intermediate in pharmaceutical and biochemical research. Its structure supports the development of complex sugar analogs used in drug discovery, particularly for antiviral and antibacterial agents. It is also employed in the preparation of labeled sugars for metabolic studies and imaging applications. Due to its chiral centers and functional groups, it enables stereoselective reactions, making it valuable in asymmetric synthesis and the production of bioactive molecules.