4-Nitrophenyl myristate is used as a chromogenic substrate in enzymatic assays to study the activity of lipases and esterases. It is hydrolyzed by these enzymes to release 4-nitrophenol, which produces a measurable color change detectable by spectrophotometry at around 405 nm. This allows for the determination of enzyme efficiency and specificity in breaking down ester bonds. Commonly employed in biochemical research, industrial applications to develop and optimize enzymatic processes, and in the synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals where controlled ester hydrolysis is required. It is also utilized in assays for enzyme activity in clinical and environmental samples.