This chemical is primarily utilized in the field of glycobiology and bioorthogonal chemistry. It serves as a modified sialic acid derivative, enabling the study of cell surface glycans and their interactions. Researchers employ it for metabolic labeling of sialylated glycoconjugates in living cells, allowing for the visualization and tracking of these molecules in biological systems. Its azide group facilitates click chemistry reactions, making it a valuable tool for tagging and identifying glycoproteins and glycolipids. Additionally, it is used in the development of glycoconjugate-based vaccines and therapeutic agents, as it helps in understanding the role of sialic acids in immune responses and pathogen recognition.