Used primarily in organic synthesis as a protected form of mannose, this compound is valuable in carbohydrate chemistry for constructing complex glycostructures. It serves as an intermediate in the production of glycosides and glycoconjugates, which are crucial in developing pharmaceuticals, especially in the synthesis of antiviral and anticancer drugs. Additionally, it is employed in the study of enzyme mechanisms and in the preparation of chiral catalysts, aiding in asymmetric synthesis processes. Its stability under various conditions makes it a preferred choice for research and industrial applications in medicinal chemistry.