Enantiopure (1R, 2R)-,(1S, 2S)-and (1R, 2S)-2-cyanocyclopentanol and-cyclohexanol isomers were prepared through the Pseudomonas cepacia lipase-catalysed acetylation of the racemic cis and trans compounds with vinyl acetate in diisopropyl ether. The quasi- irreversible nature of acylations with 2, 2, 2-trifluoroethyl esters is evident.
