Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and biologically active compounds. Serves as a sugar mimic in the development of glycosidase inhibitors, which are relevant for treating diabetes, viral infections, and lysosomal storage disorders. Employed in the preparation of nucleoside analogs and other therapeutic agents requiring stereochemical precision. Also utilized in the design of surfactants and polymers with tailored hydrophilic properties due to its polyhydroxylated structure.