Foelsche, E., Institute of Organic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Hickel, A., Institute of Organic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Hönig, H., Institute of Organic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Seufer-Wasserthal, P., Institute of Organic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, A-8010 Graz, Austria

Lipase-catalyzed resolution of acyclic 2-azido alcohols as precursors for amino alcohols was readily accomplished. Butanoates of racemic acyclic azidoalkanols were hydrolyzed by using commercially available lipases from Candida cylindracea and Pseudomonas fluorescens, respectively. Some representative examples of acyclic secondary 2-azido alcohols have been obtained with enantiomeric excess ranging from 24 to >98%. © 1990 American Chemical Society.