Used as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of complex natural products and pharmaceuticals. Its primary role is as a protected diol building block, where the silyl ether group provides stability under various reaction conditions while allowing selective deprotection when needed. Commonly employed in multi-step syntheses of bioactive molecules, including antibiotics and antiviral agents, due to its compatibility with a wide range of functional groups and its ability to control stereochemistry during coupling reactions.