This chemical is primarily used in biochemical research as a metabolic probe to study cellular processes. It is incorporated into cells where it can label glycoproteins and glycolipids, allowing researchers to track and analyze glycosylation patterns. This is particularly useful in understanding cellular metabolism, protein function, and disease mechanisms, such as cancer, where altered glycosylation is often observed. Additionally, it serves as a tool in imaging techniques to visualize and monitor metabolic activities in living cells. Its azido group also enables click chemistry applications, facilitating the attachment of fluorescent dyes or other probes for advanced molecular studies.