This chemical is primarily utilized in carbohydrate chemistry research, particularly in the synthesis of complex glycoconjugates. It serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of thioglycosides, which are essential for constructing oligosaccharides and glycoproteins. The acetyl groups protect the hydroxyl functionalities, allowing selective deprotection and further modification. It is also employed in the development of glycosidase inhibitors, which have potential therapeutic applications in treating diseases like diabetes and viral infections. Additionally, it is used in the study of enzymatic glycosylation processes, aiding in understanding biochemical pathways.