Question

The amino acid (R)-alanine is found in insect larvae. What is the Fischer projection of this amino acid?

Answer 1

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Explanation:

(R)-alanine is the enantiomer of the more common L- or (S)-alanine. Their structures are below.

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We need to orient the molecules so that C-2 and C-3 are in a vertical line with C-1 at the top.

H and NH₂ will be in front of the paper. COOH will be behind the paper.

The Fischer projections become

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The NH₂ group in (R)-alanine ends up on the right.