Used as a substrate in enzymatic assays to detect and measure α-galactosidase activity, which is crucial in diagnosing Fabry disease. It is also employed in biochemical research to study enzyme kinetics and inhibition. In microbiology, it helps identify bacterial species that produce α-galactosidase. Additionally, it is utilized in plant biology to investigate galactoside metabolism. Its fluorescence upon enzymatic cleavage makes it valuable in high-throughput screening and diagnostic applications.