This chemical is primarily utilized in the field of glycochemistry and carbohydrate research. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates, which are essential for studying cell surface interactions and biological recognition processes. Its structure is particularly valuable for the preparation of sialic acid derivatives, which play a critical role in understanding viral infections, immune responses, and cell signaling. Additionally, it is employed in the development of glycosidase inhibitors, which have potential therapeutic applications in treating diseases like diabetes and cancer. Its use in enzymatic and chemical glycosylation reactions also aids in the production of biologically active compounds for drug discovery and vaccine development.