Lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolutions of 1,1-diphenyl-2-propanol were performed at high temperatures up to 120degreesC. Burkholderia cepacia lipase immobilized on porous ceramic particles, lipase PS-C II (Amano Enzyme Inc.), gave an enantiopure product at 40 120degreesC, with the highest conversion (39%) at 80-90degreesC. The mechanism of high enantioselectivity retained even at 120degreesC is also described briefly. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.