This chemical is primarily used in the field of organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of fucose-containing oligosaccharides, which are important in studying biological processes such as cell-cell interactions and immune responses. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of glycoproteins and glycolipids for research in glycobiology. Its acetylated form provides protection for functional groups during synthetic reactions, allowing for selective modifications. This compound is also valuable in the production of glycosidase inhibitors, which have potential applications in therapeutic research for diseases like cancer and viral infections.