Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of phosphorylated sugar derivatives for pharmaceutical and biochemical research. Serves in enzymatic studies involving carbohydrate metabolism, particularly in pathways related to mannose and fructose. Employed in the development of diagnostic reagents and in the preparation of labeled compounds for metabolic tracing. Its lithium salt form enhances solubility and stability in aqueous reaction systems, making it suitable for use in buffer solutions and enzyme assays.