The invention provides an improved method of isolating the 3-(E)-isomer of an unsaturated carboxylic acid from a mixture of corresponding (E/Z)isomers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method for the biocatalytic preparation of (3E,7E)-homofarnesylic acid; as well as a novel biocatalytic method for the improved preparation of homofarnesol, in particular of (3E,7E)-homofarnesol and homofarnesol preparations having an increased content of (3E,7E)-homofarnesol. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing(−)-ambroxby applying (3E,7E)-homofarnesylic acid or (3E,7E)-homofarnesol as obtained according to the invention as starting material.