Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral drugs, particularly in the production of nucleoside analogs. Its primary role is to protect hydroxyl groups during multi-step organic syntheses, ensuring selective reactivity at other sites in the molecule. The silyl ether group provides stability under various reaction conditions and can be removed selectively without affecting other functional groups. This makes it valuable in the development of complex pharmaceuticals where precise molecular construction is critical. Commonly employed in the manufacturing of protease inhibitors and reverse transcriptase inhibitors used in HIV and hepatitis treatments.