Used in biochemical research as a glycosyl donor or intermediate in the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides. It serves as a model compound for studying glycosidic bond formation, particularly in plant-derived natural products. Its structural features make it valuable in enzymatic assays involving glycosyltransferases and glycosidases. Also employed in the development of labeled carbohydrates for metabolic tracing and in the preparation of glycoconjugate vaccines.