9, 1059; Yabuta and Sumiki, Eocc. cit.) indicate that mellein must have either structure (VI; R= H) or (VIII; R= H, R'= Et). Tamura (ibid., 1939, 15, 685) has claimed a synthesis of the latter compound, 3-ethyl-7-hydroxyphthalide, which was identical with isoochracin [formed