2-Naphthyl-β-D-galactopyranoside hydrate is a biochemical reagent employed in the study of glycobiology. Glycobiology encompasses the exploration of the structure, synthesis, biology, and evolution of sugars. It includes carbohydrate chemistry, glycan formation and degradation enzymology, protein-glycan interactions, and the role of glycans in biological systems. This field is closely linked to fundamental research, biomedicine, and biotechnology.