6-Bromo-2-naphthyl β-D-glucopyranoside is a chromogenic substrate primarily used in biochemical research to study enzyme activity, particularly β-glucosidases. Upon hydrolysis by these enzymes, it releases 6-bromo-2-naphthol, enabling spectrophotometric detection of the reaction. This helps in understanding the mechanism and kinetics of these enzymes, which are crucial in various biological processes such as carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, it serves as a tool in the development of assays for enzyme inhibition studies, aiding in drug discovery and the design of therapeutic agents targeting specific enzymatic pathways.