Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates, this chemical plays a crucial role in carbohydrate chemistry. It is particularly valuable in the preparation of thioglycosides, which are essential for glycosylation reactions in the development of pharmaceuticals and biologically active compounds. Its acetyl-protected structure allows for selective deprotection, enabling precise modifications in the synthesis of oligosaccharides and glycoproteins. This makes it a key reagent in research focused on understanding carbohydrate-protein interactions and developing glycobiology-based therapeutics. Additionally, it is employed in the production of glycosidase inhibitors, which have potential applications in treating metabolic disorders and viral infections.