This chemical is widely used in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of complex carbohydrates and nucleosides. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of modified sugars, which are essential for developing pharmaceuticals, especially antiviral and anticancer drugs. Additionally, it is utilized in glycosylation reactions to create specific glycosidic bonds, which are crucial for synthesizing biologically active molecules. Its stability and reactivity make it a valuable building block in carbohydrate chemistry research and drug development.