Used as a protected form of glycolaldehyde in organic synthesis, particularly in carbohydrate and nucleoside chemistry. The acetal group stabilizes the aldehyde during reactions, allowing selective transformations elsewhere in the molecule. After desired steps are completed, the protecting group can be removed under mild acidic conditions to regenerate the aldehyde functionality. Its benzyl ether linkage also allows for further modification or cleavage via hydrogenolysis. Commonly employed in the synthesis of complex natural products and antiviral agents where controlled reactivity is essential.