2-Deoxy-D-galactose is primarily used in biochemical research to study carbohydrate metabolism and enzyme mechanisms. It serves as a substrate or inhibitor in experiments involving glycosidases and glycosyltransferases, helping to elucidate their functions and specificity. This compound is also utilized in the synthesis of glycoconjugates and glycoproteins, which are essential for understanding cell signaling and communication. Additionally, it plays a role in investigating cancer cell metabolism, as altered sugar metabolism is a hallmark of many cancers. Its applications extend to the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents targeting carbohydrate-related pathways.