Efficient kinetic resolution of 2-benzenesulfonylcyclopentanones 1, bearing 3-alkyl, 3-aryl, or 3-benzyl substituents, has been achieved by bakers' yeast mediated reduction. With the unsubstituted 2-benzenesulfonylcyclopentanone 1a, efficient asymmetric reduction to form (1S,2R)-cis-2-benzenesulfonylcyclopentanol 2a is observed under the same conditions. Excellent enantioselectivities (up to > 95% eel are obtained.