Used in biochemical research as a substrate for enzyme activity studies, particularly for β-glucosidase enzymes. It serves as a model compound to investigate enzymatic hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds due to the presence of the glucopyranoside moiety linked to an aromatic group. The methoxyphenyl group allows for easy detection of reaction products through spectrophotometric methods, making it valuable in assays for monitoring enzyme kinetics and inhibition. Also employed in studies related to plant metabolism and lignin biosynthesis pathways, where glycosylated phenolic compounds play a regulatory role.