Reaction with acids or fluorides such as tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride removes the silyl group when protection is no longer needed.

How do I Deprotect silyl?

Typical deprotection protocols for the removal of silyl ethers are acidic aqueous THF, or acidic methanol, alkaline aqueous solutions and sources of fluoride ion, most commonly tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride, TBAF, in various solvents.

What is the synthetic purpose of forming a silyl ether?

Formation of Silyl Ethers

Silyl ethers are inert to many reagents that react with alcohols, so they serve as protecting groups in organic synthesis.