Used as a glycosyl donor in carbohydrate chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. Its acetyl protecting groups stabilize the molecule during reactions, while the cyanomethyl thio linkage allows for selective activation under mild conditions. Commonly employed in the preparation of β-galactosides found in biologically active natural products and synthetic vaccines. Also utilized in enzymatic and chemoenzymatic pathways to generate galactose-containing structures for pharmaceutical and biochemical research.