This compound is primarily used in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical research as a protected form of glucuronic acid. It serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of glycosides and other carbohydrate derivatives. Its acetyl groups protect the hydroxyl functionalities during chemical reactions, allowing selective modifications to the molecule. This is particularly useful in the development of prodrugs, where glucuronic acid is often conjugated to active pharmaceutical ingredients to enhance solubility or modify drug release properties. Additionally, it is employed in the study of enzymatic processes involving glucuronidation, a critical metabolic pathway in drug detoxification. Its role in synthesizing complex sugars also makes it valuable in glycobiology research for understanding cell-surface interactions and signaling.