PURPOSE: To obtain a mixture of an enatiomerically enriched unreacted 1,2-diol monosulfonate with a corresponding antipodal enantiomerically enriched ester.

CONSTITUTION: This method for enzymatically esterifying a 1,2-diol monosulfonate comprises a step for bringing the 1,2-diol monosulfonate into contact with an enzyme derived from a microorganism or an animal organ having the stereoselective activity to asymmetrically esterify the 1,2-diol monosulfonate in the presence of a nonhydroxylic organic solvent and an amine additive. The resultant enantiomerically enriched ester is a useful chemical intermediate usable for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.