This compound is primarily used as a substrate in enzymatic assays to detect and measure the activity of β-xylosidase enzymes. It is particularly valuable in research and diagnostics for studying carbohydrate metabolism and processing. When the enzyme acts on this substrate, it releases a fluorescent product, 4-methylumbelliferone, which can be easily quantified using fluorescence spectroscopy. This makes it a useful tool in biochemical studies to monitor enzyme kinetics, screen for enzyme inhibitors, and investigate the role of β-xylosidases in various biological processes. Additionally, it is employed in industrial applications to assess enzyme efficiency in biomass degradation and biofuel production.