Used in the food industry as a low-calorie sweetener due to its minimal metabolism in the human body. Serves as a precursor in the synthesis of xylitol, a sugar alcohol widely used in chewing gums, candies, and oral care products for its dental health benefits. Employed in biochemical research for studying carbohydrate metabolism and enzyme activity. Also utilized in the production of hemicellulose-based biopolymers and renewable chemicals in green chemistry applications.