A simple method for the preparation of optically active 1-aryloxy-and 1-arylsulphanyl-3- thiocyanatopropan-2-oles from racemic 1-chloro-3-aryloxy-and 1-chloro-3-arylsulphanyl-2- propanols via 1-aryloxy-and 1-arylsulphanyl-3-thiocyanatopropan-2-ones has been