Used as a glycosyl donor in carbohydrate chemistry for the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides. Its acetyl protecting groups stabilize the molecule during reactions, while the 2-nitrophenyl group acts as a chromophore, enabling easy monitoring of reaction progress by UV detection. Commonly employed in enzymatic and chemical glycosylation studies, especially in the development of glycoconjugate vaccines and diagnostic probes. Also utilized in the preparation of glycosylated natural products and in structure–activity relationship studies of glycosidase enzymes.