Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of glycosides and other carbohydrate derivatives. Commonly employed in pharmaceutical and biochemical research for constructing complex oligosaccharides due to its protected hydroxyl groups, which allow selective deprotection and further glycosylation reactions. Also utilized in the preparation of glycoconjugate vaccines and enzyme substrates. Its acetyl groups stabilize the molecule during storage and handling, making it suitable for use in controlled synthetic pathways.