The main uses of Benzoin (Benzoylphenylcarbinol) are as a precursor to benzil, which is a photoinitiator.

ERK2 Rapidfire Mass Spectrometry Inhibition of Catalysis Assay: MEK U911-activated ERK2 protein is expressed and purified in-house. Enzyme and substrate solutions are made up in assay buffer consisting of 50 mM Tris (pH 7.5), 10 mM MgCl2, 0.1 mM EGTA, 10 mM DTT and 0.01% (v/v) CHAPS. 1.2 nM ERK2 protein is prepared in assay buffer and 10 μL is dispensed into each well of a polypropylene, 384-well plate containing test and reference control compounds. The compound plates had previously been dosed with a 12 point range from 100 μM down to 0.1 nM in order to calculate compound IC50s, with a total DMSO concentration in the assay of 1%. Following a 20 minute pre-incubation of enzyme and compound at room temperature, 10 μL of substrate solution is added consisting of 16 μM Erktide (IPTTPITTTYFFFK) and 120 μM ATP (measured Km) in assay buffer. The reaction is allowed to progress for 20 minutes at room temperature before being quenched by the addition of 80 μl 1% (v/v) formic acid. The assay plates are then run on the RapidFire Mass Spectrometry platform to measure substrate (unphosphorylated Erktide) and product (phosphorylated Erktide) levels.