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 diacetone sorbose and further processed to synthesize ascorbic acid. This makes it a crucial component in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries for manufacturing vitamin C supplements and fortified foods. Additionally, L-(-)-Sorbose is utilized in microbiological research as a carbon source for culturing specific microorganisms. Its role in biochemical studies also extends to investigating carbohydrate metabolism and enzyme activity.