Abstract
Racemic trans‐2,3‐di[(3,4‐methylenedioxy)benzyl]‐1,4‐butanediol (dihydrocubebin) 6 was enantioselectively esterified using lipases as catalysts with vinyl acetate. Optically active (S,S)‐1,4‐butanediol 6 obtained was selectively oxygenated with a Fetizon reagent, affording (S,S)‐(+)‐hinokinin 9 in a high yield.