In order to elucidate the essential core structure of potent α‐mannosidase inhibitors, e.g. mannostatin A, 5‐amino‐5‐C‐methyl‐1,2,3,4‐cyclopentanetetrols 4‐8 were designed and synthesized by a base‐catalyzed nitro aldol condensation of nitroethane and the dialdehyde derived by periodate oxidation of DL‐1,2‐O‐cyclohexylidene‐myo‐inositol, followed by reduction and deprotection. Biological assay of the five stereoisomers thus obtained for the six glycosidases has demonstrated the DL‐(1,2/3,4,5) and (1,2,3,4,5/0) isomers to be moderate α‐mannosidase inhibitors, suggesting that the all‐cis configuration of the amino and three hydroxy groups on the cyclopentane ring plays a role in exhibiting inhibitory activity.