This chemical is primarily used in biochemical research as a substrate for studying enzyme activity, particularly for alpha-glucosidase and other carbohydrate-processing enzymes. It helps in understanding the mechanisms of carbohydrate metabolism and enzyme kinetics. Additionally, it is employed in the development of diagnostic assays to measure enzyme activity in biological samples. Its application also extends to screening potential inhibitors of enzymes, which is crucial in drug discovery for diseases like diabetes, where enzyme regulation is a therapeutic target.