This chemical is primarily used in the synthesis of complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates. It serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of mannose-containing oligosaccharides, which are essential for studying biological processes such as cell signaling and immune response. The acetyl groups protect the hydroxyl functionalities during synthetic procedures, allowing selective deprotection for further modifications. It is also employed in the development of glycoproteins and glycolipids, which have applications in vaccine development and drug delivery systems. Additionally, it plays a role in the creation of glycosidase inhibitors, which are potential therapeutic agents for treating metabolic disorders and viral infections.