Used primarily as a protected hydroxy acid in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of complex molecules such as pharmaceuticals and natural products. The silyl ether group acts as a protecting group for the alcohol functionality, allowing selective reactions at the carboxylic acid end without interference. This makes it valuable in multi-step syntheses where chemoselectivity is crucial. Commonly employed in peptide coupling, macrolide synthesis, and prodrug design due to its stability under various reaction conditions and ease of deprotection when needed.