Used extensively in biochemical research to study enzyme activity, particularly glycosidases. It serves as a substrate to investigate the hydrolysis mechanisms of these enzymes, releasing 4-nitrophenol upon reaction, which can be easily measured by spectrophotometry at approximately 400-410 nm for quantitative assessment. Also employed in the development of assays for enzyme detection and quantification, aiding in the identification of enzymatic pathways and screening of glycosidase inhibitors with potential therapeutic applications. Its application in microbiology helps in understanding bacterial metabolism and carbohydrate processing. Additionally, it is utilized in the synthesis of complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates for pharmaceutical research.