Process for preparing optically active glycerol derivatives

A process for preparing optically active glycerol derivatives by a biochemical resolution which comprises (i) subjecting an ester having the general formula [(R,S)-I]: [(R,S)-I] wherein X is a halogen atom, R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group of C1 to C8 and R' is an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group of C1 to C2, to the action of enzymes derived from either microorganisms or animal organs, wherein said enzymes have a stereo selective esterase activity to asymmetrically hydrolyze the ester having the general formula [(R,S)-I] to give a mixture of an optically active alcohol having the general formula (II)*: (II)* wherein X and R' are as above and an optically active ester having the general formula (I)*: (I)* wherein X, R and R' are as above, and (ii) obtaining the optically active alcohol having the general formula (II)* and the optically active ester having the general formula (I)* by separating operations. In accordance with the present invention, there can be provided a process for preparing optically active glycerol derivatives, wherein the optically active ester having the general formula (I)* and the optically active alcohol having the general formula (II)* can be easily obtained.