Used in biochemical research as a model compound for studying carbohydrate-protein interactions, particularly in the context of glycosylation and cell surface recognition. Serves as a substrate or inhibitor in enzymatic assays involving glycosyltransferases and glycosidases. Plays a role in the development of glycoconjugate vaccines and diagnostics by mimicking natural epitopes found on glycoproteins and glycolipids. Also utilized in the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides to probe immune responses and pathogen attachment mechanisms.