2-Benzenesulfonylcyclopentanone 1 and -cyclohexanone 2 undergo efficient dynamic kinetic resolution on treatment with baker's yeast, under a range of conditions including in organic solvents, to form the corresponding cis-2-benzenesulfonylcycloalkanols 5 and 6 in excellent enantiopurity. Reduction of larger ring derivatives is much less efficient. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.