L-(-)-Sorbose is primarily used in the production of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It serves as a key intermediate in the Reichstein process, where it is converted into 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, which is then transformed into vitamin C. This application is crucial in the pharmaceutical and food industries, where vitamin C is widely used as a dietary supplement and antioxidant. Additionally, L-(-)-Sorbose is utilized in microbiological research and fermentation studies due to its role as a sugar substrate. Its unique properties also make it valuable in the synthesis of other organic compounds and in the development of specialty chemicals.