Used in glycochemistry research as a building block for synthesizing complex oligosaccharides involved in cell signaling. Serves as a synthetic intermediate in the development of glycoconjugate vaccines, particularly those targeting bacterial pathogens with galactosamine-containing surface polysaccharides. Also applied in the study of glycosylation processes and enzyme substrates for glycosyltransferases. Its methyl and acetyl groups provide stability and selectivity in chemical synthesis, making it valuable in the preparation of biologically active glycoforms.