 This reversible reaction is commonly driven to product by the use of Dean-Stark apparatus or a dehydration agent to remove water.As an extension of this reactivity, PhB(OH)2 can be used as a protecting group for diols and diamines.This reactivity is the basis of the use of phenylboronic acid's use as a receptor and sensor for carbohydrates, antimicrobial agents, and enzyme inhibitors, neutron capture therapy for cancer, transmembrane transport, and bioconjugation and labeling of proteins and cell surface.