Used in biochemical research for synthesizing glycoconjugates and glycosides, particularly in the study of enzyme substrates and inhibitors related to galactosidases. Serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of labeled carbohydrates for tracing metabolic pathways. Also applied in the development of diagnostic reagents for detecting glycosyltransferase activity. Its structural similarity to natural galactose derivatives makes it valuable in studying carbohydrate-protein interactions, including those involved in cell signaling and immune responses.