Abstract Base-catalysed ring opening of the acetonide of cis-exo-2, 3-dihydroxy-6- methoxycarbonyl-7-oxabicycloheptane affords a stereo-controlled routeto (±)-methyl 5- epishikimate and thence, by an elimination process, to (±)-methyl-cis-3, 4-dihydro-3, 4- dihydroxybenzoate.