Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of complex carbohydrates and glycosylated natural products. Its hydroxyl and benzyl-protected functionalities allow selective glycosylation reactions, making it valuable in the development of oligosaccharides, glycolipids, and glycopeptides for pharmaceutical research. Commonly employed in the preparation of bioactive molecules, including antiviral and anticancer agents, where precise stereochemistry is critical. The benzyl group can be removed under mild conditions, enabling further chain elongation or conjugation in multistep syntheses.