This chemical is primarily utilized in the field of glycobiology research, where it plays a crucial role in studying carbohydrate structures and their interactions. It is often employed as a substrate or reference compound in enzymatic assays to investigate the activity of glycosyltransferases and glycosidases. Additionally, it is used in the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates, which are essential for understanding cell signaling, immune responses, and pathogen recognition. Its application extends to the development of carbohydrate-based vaccines and therapeutics, where it aids in mimicking natural glycans to elicit specific immune responses. Furthermore, it serves as a valuable tool in analytical chemistry for calibrating instruments like mass spectrometers and HPLC systems to accurately identify and quantify glycans in biological samples.