(R)-3-((tert-Butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)propane-1,2-diol is a chiral protected glycerol derivative widely used as a building block in organic synthesis. It features a tert-butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS) group selectively protecting one primary hydroxyl, leaving a vicinal 1,2-diol free for further functionalization. The (R) configuration at the central carbon enables stereoselective transformations, making it essential for synthesizing chiral intermediates in pharmaceuticals, natural products, and bioactive molecules.

This compound supports orthogonal protection strategies in multi-step syntheses, offering stability under acidic, basic, and nucleophilic conditions. It is particularly valuable in fine chemical production where precise control of stereochemistry and functional group reactivity is required, such as in carbohydrate chemistry and complex polyol assemblies.