Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of sucralose, a high-intensity artificial sweetener. It plays a key role in selective chlorination processes during sucralose production due to its protected hydroxyl group configuration. In plant biochemistry, it serves as a key intermediate in sucrose biosynthesis, particularly in the sucrose-6'-phosphate synthase pathway, aiding studies on photosynthetic carbon partitioning and enzyme mechanisms. Also employed in research for enzymatic and metabolic studies involving sugar phosphates. Its potassium salt form enhances solubility and stability in aqueous reaction systems.