Used as a chromogenic substrate in enzymatic assays to detect and quantify α-glucosidase activity. Upon hydrolysis by α-glucosidase, it releases 4-nitrophenol, which is yellow in color and can be measured spectrophotometrically at around 400–410 nm. This makes it valuable in biochemical and clinical laboratories for studying enzyme kinetics, screening inhibitors, and diagnosing enzyme deficiencies. It is also employed in microbiology to identify certain bacterial species based on their ability to hydrolyze the compound. Commonly used in research settings involving carbohydrate metabolism and in the development of diagnostic kits.