Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of modified carbohydrates and glycosaminoglycan analogs. Commonly employed in pharmaceutical research for developing drug delivery systems and biocompatible materials. Its acetylated structure enhances stability and solubility in organic solvents, making it suitable for glycosylation reactions in the preparation of complex oligosaccharides. Also applied in the development of dermal fillers and hyaluronic acid derivatives due to its structural similarity to natural polysaccharide building blocks.