This compound is primarily used in the field of glycobiology and biochemical research. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of modified sugars, particularly for the production of azido-labeled glycans. These azido-labeled glycans are essential tools in metabolic labeling studies, allowing researchers to track and visualize glycoproteins and glycolipids within living cells. The azide group enables bioorthogonal reactions, such as click chemistry, facilitating the attachment of fluorescent dyes or other probes for imaging and analysis. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of glycan-based vaccines and therapeutics, where precise modification of sugar molecules is required to enhance immune responses or target specific biological pathways. Its role in advancing understanding of glycosylation processes and its applications in drug discovery make it a valuable compound in biomedical research.