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The enzymatic kinetic resolution of (±)-4-acetoxy[2.2]paracyclophane by Candida cylindracea lipase was investigated in water and in a two-phase aqueous organic system. The (+)-(R)-4-hydroxy- and (+)-(S)-4-acetoxy[2.2]-paracyclophanes were isolated in excellent yields and high enantiomeric excesses. The resolution was carried out on multi-gram scale in hexane-water at 40° C.

The lipase from Candida cylindracea (CCL) deacetyles rapidly and selectively all three regioisomer methyl acetoxybenzoates. In the enzymatic hydrolyses of analogous aryl acetoxybenzoates, the difference of reactivity between the acetoxy and benzoyloxy functionalities is reduced and a methoxy group in meta position of the aryl group reverses the reactivity order making the compounds aspirin or aspirin-like prodrugs. The degree of enantioselectivity of the enzymatic hydrolysis of phenethylbenzoates is related to the position of the stereogenic center.