The invention disclosed in this application relates to an improved process for the manufacture of d-threo-ritalinic acid hydrochloride and l-threo-ritalinic acid hydrochloride in an optically pure form by the resolution of dl-threo-ritalinic acid using a chiral carboxylic acid The d-threo-ritalinic acid hydrochloride prepared by the process of the present invention on esterification gives d-threo-methylphenidate, a very well known CNS stimulant.