The rpiB gene, encoding ribose-5-phosphate isomerase (RpiB) from Clostridium thermocellum, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. RpiB converted D-psicose into D-allose but it did not convert D-xylose, L-rhamnose, D-altrose or D-galactose. The production of D-allose by RpiB was maximal at pH 7.5 and 65 degrees C for 30 min. The half-lives of the enzyme at 50 degrees C and 65 degrees C were 96 h and 4.7 h, respectively. Under stable conditions of pH 7.5 and 50 degrees C, 165 g D-allose l(-1) was produced without by-products from 500 g D-psicose l(-1) after 6 h.