Kinetic resolution of racemic epsilon-lactones by Pig Liver Esterase give optically active R (+) epsilon-lactones. When alkyl group is higher than propyl, Horse Liver Esterase leads to the destruction of the opposite enantiomer. Enantiomeric excess is easily evaluated by G.C. on a chiral stationary phase.
MATSUMOTO, KAZUTSUGU;TSUTSUMI, SEIJI;IHORI, TAMIKO;OHTA, HIROMICHI, J. AMER. CHEM. SOC., 112,(1990) N6, C. 9614-9619