The present invention relates to the synthesis of 1-amino-3,5-dimethyladamantane ("memantine") and its hydrochloric acid salt form. In particular a new intermediate (N-chloro-acetylamino-3,5-dimethyladamantane) for the synthesis of memantine as well as a new process for the preparation of memantine and its hydrochloric acid salt form using said intermediate is disclosed.