Used in biochemical research for studying glycosidase enzymes and carbohydrate-protein interactions. Acts as a substrate analog or inhibitor in enzymatic assays, helping to probe the active site specificity of α-mannosidases. Also employed in the development of glycosylation inhibitors and in metabolic labeling studies to track glycoprotein biosynthesis. Its thio-linked sugar moiety provides enhanced stability against hydrolysis, making it valuable in prolonged cellular assays.