This compound is primarily utilized in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of glycosidase inhibitors. It serves as a key intermediate in the development of carbohydrate-based pharmaceuticals, which are essential for treating various metabolic disorders. Additionally, it plays a significant role in the study of enzyme mechanisms, helping researchers understand the interactions between enzymes and their substrates. Its benzyl-protected structure makes it valuable in selective deprotection strategies, enabling the synthesis of complex sugar derivatives with high precision. This chemical is also employed in the creation of glycoconjugates, which are important in vaccine development and targeted drug delivery systems.