Esters
Methanetriol esters, known as orthoformates, are well known and commercially available. Like acetals, they are stable towards bases but easily hydrolyzed in acidic conditions to the alcohol and an ester of formic acid. They are used are as mild dehydrating agent. Especially well known are trimethyl orthoformate, triethyl orthoformate, and triisopropyl orthoformate.
Read more about this topic: Orthoformic Acid