Used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Its structure allows it to act as a building block for introducing functionalized dioxane moieties into larger molecules. Commonly employed in glycosylation reactions and the synthesis of nucleoside analogs, where the tosylate group serves as a good leaving group for nucleophilic substitution. Also utilized in the development of polymers and surfactants due to its solubility characteristics and reactivity.