Used as a key intermediate in carbohydrate chemistry for the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. Its protected hydroxyl groups allow selective glycosylation reactions, making it valuable in the preparation of biologically active glycosides and antigens. Commonly employed in the development of vaccines and diagnostic agents where precise sugar structures are required. Also utilized in enzymatic studies to probe substrate specificity of glycosidases and glycosyltransferases.