Used primarily in biochemical research, this compound serves as a substrate for esterase activity assays. It helps in studying enzyme kinetics and identifying esterase enzymes in various biological samples. When esterases act on it, they produce 4-nitrophenol, which can be easily detected spectrophotometrically due to its yellow color. This makes it a valuable tool for monitoring enzymatic reactions and evaluating enzyme inhibitors. Additionally, it is employed in diagnostic applications to assess esterase levels in clinical samples, aiding in the detection of certain diseases or metabolic disorders. Its stability and ease of detection make it a preferred choice in laboratory settings for enzymatic studies.