This compound is primarily utilized in the field of medical research and diagnostics, particularly in the development of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of fluorinated glucose analogs, which are used to study glucose metabolism in vivo. These analogs are crucial for imaging and detecting metabolic changes in tissues, especially in cancer cells, as they often exhibit altered glucose uptake rates. Additionally, it plays a role in the study of enzyme mechanisms and carbohydrate metabolism, providing insights into biochemical pathways and potential therapeutic targets.