4-Pivaloylaminobenzyl (PAB) group is a new benzyl-type protecting group which can be introduced either by initial introduction of 4-nitrobenzyl group followed by reduction and N-acylation or by the reaction of a hydroxyl compound with the corresponding halogenide or trichloroacetimidate. PAB ethers have higher acid stability than 4-methoxybenzyl ethers but are readily cleaved with DDQ in a manner similar to the latter.