What stereochemical products are possible if you are starting with a enantiomerically pure sample of benzoin?

1. Benzoin can be reduced with reagents such as NaBH4.  What stereochemical products are possible if you are starting with a enantiomerically pure sample of benzoin?  What if you are starting with a racemic mixture?

2. In the experimental procedure, it was mentioned that when benzoin is added to sodium hydroxide, a purple solution develops.  What is the structure of this purple product? Why might it be so highly colored?