This compound is widely used in biochemical research as a substrate for studying the activity of glycosidases, particularly β-galactosidases and β-N-acetylglucosaminidases. It helps in understanding enzyme kinetics and specificity, which is crucial for investigating metabolic pathways and glycosylation processes. Additionally, it is employed in the development of diagnostic assays to detect enzyme deficiencies or abnormalities in diseases such as lysosomal storage disorders. Its synthetic nature allows for precise control in experiments, making it a valuable tool in glycobiology and enzymology studies.