This chemical is primarily used in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of complex carbohydrate molecules. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of nucleosides and nucleotides, which are essential components in the development of pharmaceuticals, including antiviral and anticancer drugs. Additionally, it is employed in the production of glycosides and other sugar derivatives, which have applications in the food and cosmetic industries. Its benzyl protecting groups make it valuable in selective deprotection strategies, enabling precise control over chemical reactions in multi-step synthetic processes.