Used in pharmaceutical research as a key intermediate in the synthesis of certain antiviral and antidiabetic agents. Its structural complexity allows for selective interactions with biological targets, particularly enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. It has shown potential in inhibiting specific glycosidases, which makes it valuable in developing drugs for type 2 diabetes and viral infections like influenza. Additionally, derivatives of this compound are explored for improved metabolic stability and bioavailability in drug design.