Used in biochemical research to study glycosylation processes and enzyme mechanisms, particularly those involving galactose metabolism. It serves as a substrate or inhibitor in enzymatic assays to investigate the activity of glycosidases and glycosyltransferases. Applied in the development of glycoconjugates and glycoproteins for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Also utilized in the synthesis of carbohydrate-based drugs and vaccines, particularly in targeting bacterial and viral infections. Plays a role in studying carbohydrate-protein interactions, aiding in the design of inhibitors for pathogens or cancer cells.