Used in biochemical research as a protected form of sialic acid, particularly in the synthesis of glycoconjugates and oligosaccharides. Serves as a building block in the preparation of sialylated natural products and glycoprotein mimetics. Commonly employed in studies involving sialidase enzymes and cell surface receptor interactions due to its structural stability and reactivity. Also utilized in the development of pharmaceutical intermediates targeting viral infections, as sialic acid derivatives play a role in blocking viral attachment to host cells.