► First report on lipase catalyzed hydrolytic kinetic resolution of acrylates of secondary alcohols. ► In this study, it is established that lipase Amano AK catalyzes hydrolysis of acrylates of secondary alcohol at pH 7.0. ► The method gives very good enantioselectivity. ► As the enzymatic reactions address numerous environmental concerns, the method is advantageous to homogeneous organometallic catalysis and organocatalysis. ► The applicability of the method is shown ...