Lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of racemic seven-membered substituted lactones

Optically active 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-methyl substituted seven-membered lactones were prepared by Candida antarctica lipase (CAL)-catalyzed kinetic resolution of the racemic lactones. Among these lactones, only in the case of 5-methylhexanolide (R)-isomer reacts faster than the other enantiomer, while the rest of lactones show (S)-selectivity.