(S)-(E)-(+)-1-Bro mo-1-octene-3-ol was prepared in 85% yield and high optical purity (e.e. 97.4%) via a stereospecific reduction of corresponding bromo vinyl ketone using alcohol dehydrogenase from baker's yeast (EC 1.1.1.1) and NAD(P)H immobilized on Nucleosil 120-5 C18, and converted to 13(S)-hydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic (coriolic) acid.