Used as a substrate in enzymatic assays to study the activity of α-galactosidase enzymes, which are crucial in breaking down complex carbohydrates. It is particularly valuable in biochemical research for understanding metabolic disorders like Fabry disease, where α-galactosidase activity is deficient. The compound’s nitrophenyl group releases a yellow-colored product upon enzymatic cleavage, allowing for easy spectrophotometric detection and quantification of enzyme activity. This makes it a useful tool in both diagnostic laboratories and research settings for monitoring enzyme kinetics and screening potential enzyme inhibitors or activators.