This chemical is primarily used in organic synthesis and carbohydrate chemistry research. It serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. Its structure, featuring protective groups like benzyl and benzylidene, allows for selective manipulation during glycosylation reactions, making it valuable for constructing specific glycosidic linkages. Additionally, it is employed in studies focused on understanding enzymatic processes and developing glycosidase inhibitors, which have potential applications in drug discovery and therapeutic development. Its role in synthesizing bioactive molecules also extends to the field of glycobiology, where it aids in exploring cell-surface interactions and carbohydrate-based signaling pathways.