Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of complex natural products and pharmaceuticals. Its dual hydroxyl groups with differing steric environments allow for selective functionalization, enabling stepwise protection and deprotection strategies. The silyl-protected alcohol is stable under various reaction conditions, while the free alcohol can be selectively modified, making it valuable in multi-step syntheses. Commonly employed in the construction of bioactive molecules where stereochemical control is critical.