Used primarily as a substrate in biochemical assays, particularly for detecting α-glucosidase activity. When cleaved by the enzyme, it produces an insoluble blue product, making it valuable in histochemistry and microbiology for visualizing enzyme presence and localization. It is also employed in plant biology studies to investigate α-glucosidase roles in metabolic processes, such as starch degradation. Additionally, it aids in identifying and characterizing microbial strains in environmental and clinical samples that produce α-glucosidase. Its specificity and colorimetric response make it a reliable tool in enzymatic research and diagnostics.