This chemical is primarily used in the synthesis of complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates. It serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of modified sugars, which are essential for studying carbohydrate metabolism and developing carbohydrate-based drugs. The compound is particularly valuable in glycosylation reactions, where it helps create specific glycosidic linkages. Its p-toluenesulfonyl group enhances reactivity, making it a useful tool in organic synthesis for constructing biologically active molecules. Additionally, it is employed in the development of glycopolymers and materials for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds.