Used as a protected form of a hydroxymethyl phenol in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of complex molecules where selective reactivity is required. The tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) group shields the hydroxyl functionality, allowing other transformations to proceed without interference. It is commonly employed in multi-step syntheses of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and functional materials. The silyl ether can be selectively removed under mild conditions (e.g., using fluoride ions), restoring the free hydroxyl group when needed. Its stability under a variety of reaction conditions makes it valuable in building block strategies and in the synthesis of polyphenolic or glycosylated compounds.