Enzymes are chiral and react at different rates with a pair of enantiomers. Hydrolysis of esters can be catalyzed using the enzyme esterase. This enzyme hydrolyzes esters of L-amino acids much more rapidly than the esters of D-amino acids. Describe how you can separate L-alanine and D-alanine using this enzyme.

• A. Step 1: Convert the carboxyl group of L-alanine and D-alanine into an ester group.Step 2: Treat the mixture with esterase.Step 3: Separate L-alanine, methanol, and D-alanine.
• B. Step 1: Convert the carboxyl group of L-alanine and D-alanine into an ester group.Step 2: Treat the mixture with esterase.Step 3: Separate L-alanine, methanol, and ester of D-alanine.Step 4: Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the ester of D-alanine.Step 5: Isolate D-alanine.
• C. Step 1: Make a mixture of L-alanine and D-alanineStep 2: Treat the mixture with esterase.Step 3: Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the ester of L-alanine and the ester of D-alanine.Step 4: Separate L-alanine, methanol, and D-alanine.
• D. Step 1: Make a mixture of L-alanine and D-alanine to form the ester of each amino acid.Step 2: Treat the mixture with esterase.Step 3: Separate L-alanine, methanol, and ester of D-alanine.Step 4: Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the ester of D-alanine.Step 5: Isolate D-alanine.

Answer: (B)