Thinking about the implied $3D$ information in Fischer projections, specify the absolute configuration $(R$ or $S)$ of each of the molecules in Question $5.$

Is the first product the R or the S enantiomer? What about the second product?

What is the expected ratio of the two products? Would the reaction mixture be optically active?

PART B$.$ Using aspartic acid racemization to date ancient artifacts.

Explain why all amino acid residues in a protein are capable of racemization. In your explanation include structures as appropriate.

Aspartic acid racemization $($AAR$)$ was used to date Buyid silks ${?}^1$ because aspartic has the fastest racemization of all amino acids ${?}^4.$ Why is the rate of racemization important?

An explanation of why the racemization rate of aspartic acid is fastest involves a cyclic succinimidyl intermediate.

a$)$ What is the structure of succinimde?

b$)$ A portion of a protein containing aspartic acid is shown below with each of the carbons numbered. Place the numbers on the corresponding carbons in your structure of succinimide in part $($a$).$