Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of modified sugars and glycosides. It serves as a protective group for hydroxyl functionalities in carbohydrate chemistry, enabling selective reactions without affecting other parts of the molecule. This compound is also employed in the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates, which are essential in biochemical research and drug development. Additionally, it plays a role in the preparation of glycosyl donors for glycosylation reactions, which are crucial in the study of glycobiology and the development of therapeutic agents.