This compound is primarily used as a substrate in enzymatic assays to study the activity of neuraminidases, which are enzymes that cleave sialic acid residues from glycoproteins and glycolipids. It is particularly valuable in research focused on viral neuraminidases, such as those found in influenza viruses, aiding in the development of antiviral drugs. The fluorescent product generated during the enzymatic reaction allows for sensitive and quantitative detection of neuraminidase activity, making it a crucial tool in biochemical and virological studies. Additionally, it is employed in the investigation of sialic acid metabolism and its role in various biological processes, including cell signaling and pathogen interactions.