NOTE ADOED IN PROOF. Subsequent investigations have uncovered a new method to effect the conversion of 18 into austamide which is superior to that described in the text both in terms of overall yield and reproducibility. A solution of 18 in tetrahydrofuran was stirred under oxygen atmosphere in the presence of benzoyl peroxide at 50 OC for 24 h, after which the reaction mixture was treated with excess methyl sulfide at room temperature. In this ...