New Synthetic Approach to Memantine Hydrochloride starting from 1,3-Dimethyl-adamantane

Abstract

A short and practical method for the synthesis of 1-amino-3,5-dimethyl-adamantane (Memantine hydrochloride) was established by using tertiary butyl alcohol under Ritter conditions to give 1-acetamido-3,5-dimethyl-adamantane. The 1-acetamido-3,5-dimethyl-adamantane is hydrolyzed using alkali to give free base which was then converted into its hydrochloride acid.