Used in research and development within the field of carbohydrate chemistry, it serves as a model compound for studying the structure and reactivity of complex sugars. Its unique structure aids in understanding enzymatic processes and metabolic pathways related to hexose sugars. Additionally, it is utilized in the synthesis of specialized carbohydrates for potential applications in pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of drugs targeting metabolic disorders. Its role in glycobiology research also contributes to advancements in vaccine development and the study of cell signaling mechanisms.