A two-step process for the conversion of a trans-1-amino-2-hydroxycycloalkane stereoselectively to a cis-1-amino-2-hydroxycycloalkane is disclosed. The novel step, a one-step hydrolysis with formal inversion, can be used to convert an amide of a trans-1-amino-2-hydroxycycloalkane to a cis-1-amino-2-hydroxycycloalkane. Methods for obtaining the trans-1-amino-2-hydroxycycloalkanes and their amides from alkenes are also disclosed, as are the novel, substantially optically pure 1-amino-2-indanols and 1-amido-2-indanols obtained thereby. A preferred process converts indene to cis-1-amino-2-indanol.