Used as a substrate in enzymatic assays to study the activity of alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase enzymes, which are important in the breakdown of arabinose-containing polysaccharides. It helps in research related to plant cell wall degradation, microbial metabolism, and biotechnology applications involving enzyme characterization. The compound's hydrolysis by the enzyme produces a detectable product, making it useful in kinetic studies and enzyme inhibition research.