The acetate salts of tambjamines C, E, and F (2-4, respectively), as well as those of the related alkaloids BE-18591 (5) and 6, have been prepared by treatment of bipyrrole aldehyde 16 with the relevant amine in the presence of acetic acid. The 5'-bromo-analogue, 30, of compound 16 has also been prepared and used to obtain the acetate salts of tambjamines G, H, I, and J (8-11 respectively).