The resolution of racemic 1-(2-pyridyl)ethanols 2a-n, including the 2,2'-bipyridyl and isoquinolyl derivatives, by lipase-catalyzed asymmetric acetylation with vinyl acetate is reported. The reactions were carried out in diisopropyl ether at either room temperature or 60 degrees C using Candida antarctica lipase (CAL) to give (R)-acetate and unreacted (S)-alcohol with excellent enantiomeric purities