Used in biochemical research as a model compound for studying glycosidase enzyme activity and carbohydrate-protein interactions. Serves as a synthetic intermediate in the preparation of complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. Employed in the development of antigens and vaccines targeting bacterial pathogens that express rhamnose-containing polysaccharides. Also utilized in studies of plant cell wall biosynthesis due to the natural occurrence of rhamnose in pectins and other plant glycostructures.