Enzymatic resolution of 2-phenoxy-1-propanols through the enantioselectiveacylation mediated by Achromobacter sp. lipase

2-(Substituted phenoxy)-1-propanols, e.g. 2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1-propanol, b elonging to primary alcohols with an oxygen atom at the stereocenter, were resolved with moderate to good enantioselectivity, as judged by the value o f enantiomeric ratio E (up to 27), through the enantioselective acylation w ith vinyl butanoate mediated by the little-known lipase from Achromobacter sp. in diisopropyl ether, after the examination of potential factors affect ing the reaction such as organic solvents and acyl donors.