Lipase-mediated kinetic resolution of 3-hydroxy-4-trityloxybutanenitrile gave the (S)-alcohol and (R)-acetate in good yields and high enantioselectivities. The resolution using Pseudomonas cepacia lipase (Burkholderia cepacia) immobilized on modified ceramic particles (PS-C) in diisopropyl ether gave the best results. The use of base additives in this transesterification drastically reduces the reaction time without effecting the yields or ...