Used in biochemical research as a substrate for studying enzyme activity, particularly with glycosidases and glycosyltransferases. It serves as a model compound for investigating the metabolism of glycoconjugates and the action of enzymes involved in carbohydrate processing. Commonly employed in assays to monitor enzymatic hydrolysis or synthesis of glycosidic bonds, especially in systems related to cellular recognition and lysosomal function. Also utilized in the development of diagnostic tools for enzyme deficiencies linked to metabolic disorders.