2‐[Dimethyl(2‐naphthylmethyl)silyl]ethoxy carbonate (NSEC) is a novel protecting group to mask hydroxylgroups. NSECCl is available in three steps from chlorodimethylvinylsilane and 2‐(bromomethyl)naphthalene. Introduction and removal of the NSEC group are performed easily and rapidly in the presence of most protecting groups currently used in carbohydrate chemistry. The removal of NSEC can be carried