Used in biochemical research for studying carbohydrate metabolism and enzyme mechanisms, particularly in glycosidase and glucokinase assays. Acts as a substrate analog due to sulfur substitution, making it valuable in probing active sites of enzymes involved in glucose processing. Also employed in the synthesis of modified sugars and glycoconjugates for pharmaceutical development. Its sodium salt form enhances solubility and stability in aqueous solutions, facilitating use in biological systems.