Used as a substrate in enzymatic assays to study the activity of α-L-fucosidase enzymes, which are important in various biological processes, including cell signaling and pathogen recognition. It helps in diagnosing genetic disorders like fucosidosis by measuring enzyme activity in clinical samples. Additionally, it is utilized in biochemical research to investigate carbohydrate metabolism and glycosidase mechanisms. Its application extends to the development of inhibitors for therapeutic purposes, targeting diseases related to abnormal glycosidase activity.