Used in biochemical research as a glycosidase inhibitor, particularly in studies related to glycogen metabolism and lysosomal storage disorders. It serves as a structural analog of glucose, making it valuable in enzyme inhibition assays and cellular studies on carbohydrate-processing enzymes. Commonly employed in the development of therapeutic agents targeting diabetes, viral infections, and certain cancers due to its ability to modulate glycoprotein processing. Also utilized in the synthesis of more complex glycomimetic compounds for drug design.