This chemical is primarily utilized in the field of organic synthesis, particularly in the development of complex carbohydrate derivatives. It serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of glycosidase inhibitors, which are important in the study of enzymatic processes and the development of therapeutic agents for diseases like diabetes and viral infections. Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of modified nucleosides and nucleotides, which are crucial in the design of antiviral and anticancer drugs. Its unique structure allows for selective functionalization, making it valuable in the creation of biologically active molecules and in the exploration of carbohydrate-based drug delivery systems.