Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates. Its protected functional groups allow selective deprotection and coupling reactions, making it valuable in the preparation of oligosaccharides for pharmaceutical research, especially in vaccine development and studies of cellular recognition processes. The phthalimido group acts as a participating protecting group for stereocontrol during glycosylation, while benzyl groups offer stability and can be removed under mild conditions. Commonly employed in the construction of biologically active glycosides and glycolipids.