Below is a proposed method for resolving a racemic mixture of (R)- and (S)-phenylalanine. Upon separation of the products, will this method produce (R)- or (S)-phenylalanine?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The method proposed involves the use of an acylase enzyme, which selectively hydrolyzes the amides of L-amino acids. Since (S)-phenylalanine is the L-enantiomer, it will be hydrolyzed by the acylase enzyme, leaving behind (R)-phenylalanine in the mixture. Therefore, (S)-phenylalanine is produced as the final product.

Below Is a Proposed Method for Resolving a Racemic Mixture