Used as a key intermediate in carbohydrate chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. Its protected hydroxyl groups allow selective functionalization, making it valuable in constructing glycosidic bonds found in biologically active molecules. Commonly employed in the preparation of glycolipids, glycoproteins, and other glycosylated natural products where precise stereochemistry is required. Also utilized in enzymatic and chemical glycosylation studies due to its stability and solubility in organic solvents.