Used in the synthesis of zanamivir, an antiviral medication that inhibits influenza neuraminidase enzymes. This compound serves as a key intermediate in the preparation of zanamivir, particularly in solution-phase or solid-phase oligosaccharide synthesis. The azide group allows for selective transformations via reduction or Staudinger reactions, while the acetyl and methyl ester protecting groups enable controlled deprotection during stepwise assembly. Its primary application is in pharmaceutical research and development for anti-influenza drugs, facilitating the efficient and scalable production of neuraminidase inhibitors.