The stereoselective base catalyzed conversion of tri-0-acetyl-l,7-dichloro-l,7-dideoxy-xylo-2,6-heptodiulose todl-(2,3,4,6/5)-4,5,6-tri-0-acetyl-2-chloro-3-C-(chloromethyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxy-cyclohexanone has been described,1and it has also been shown that branched cyclose formation from the corresponding 1,7-dibromo and 1,7-diazido-2,6-heptodiuloses also occurs in the same stereoselective manner.1Reduction of the cyclose ketone function followed by appropriate deprotective leads to branchedepi-inositols.1,2The general structure of the starting 2,6-heptodiulose, and the product cyclose and cyclitol are given as I, II and III respectively.