This compound is widely used in biochemical research to study glycosidase enzymes, which are involved in the breakdown of glycoconjugates. It serves as a synthetic substrate to investigate the specificity and activity of these enzymes, particularly those that cleave sialic acid linkages. Researchers utilize it to understand the mechanisms of carbohydrate metabolism and to develop inhibitors for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, it is employed in the development of diagnostic tools for detecting enzyme deficiencies or abnormalities in glycosylation pathways. Its structure mimics natural glycans, making it valuable for probing biological interactions and signaling processes involving sialylated glycans.