Significant R-enantioselection occurred for beta-galactosyl transfer to the secondary alcohols, 2-butanol, 2-octanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol, 1-phenylethanol, 1,2-propanediol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 3-hydroxybutanoates, with beta-galactosidase from Escherichia coli The highest R-enantioselection of 98% e.e. was for the beta-galactosylation of 1-phenylethanol using beta-galactosidase from E. coli.