What are the main uses of beta-L-Ribopyranose (CAS: 87-72-9)?

Beta-L-Ribopyranose is primarily used in pharmaceuticals for the production of nucleoside derivatives, such as ribavirin. It also finds applications in the food industry as a sweetener and in research for studying sugar metabolism and molecular interactions. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the synthesis of various biochemical compounds and can be used in the development of biodegradable materials.