A new method for the preparation of optically active five-membered cyclic carbonates bearing an unsaturated substituent via an enzymatic reaction is described. In the examination of the regiospecific recognition of PPL, dl-(E)-4-(1-octenyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-one is hydrolyzed with higher enantioselectivity. The reaction is also applicable to the racemic (E)-4-[2-(alkoxycarbony)ethenyl]-1,3-dioxolane-2-one