The invention discloses a synthesis method of 
rimantadine Schiff base. The synthesis method comprises the following steps: preparation of 
adamantane formyl 
chloride, preparation of 
adamantane methyl ketone, preparation of 1-
adamantane methyl ketoxime, preparation of 
rimantadine and preparation of 
rimantadine Schiff base, wherein the preparation of adamantane 
methyl ketone comprises the following steps: adding trimethylaluminum and 
cerium formate into a flask; dropwise adding a 
benzene solution of adamantane formyl 
chloride so that the adamantane formyl 
chloride reacts with the trimethylaluminum to generate adamantane 
methyl ketone; after the reacting, pouring the reaction liquid into 
ice water, then filtering and 
drying to obtain light yellow precipitate which is adamantane methyl 
ketone.The synthesis method disclosed by the invention has the following beneficial effects: the reaction 
route changes the 
route of synthesizing adamantane methyl 
ketone before; by adopting 
cerium formate to assist in the trimethylaluminum reaction, the 
reaction conditions are mild, and few byproducts are generated. The synthesis method disclosed by the invention has the advantages of mild conditions, simple and feasible technology, small dosage of catalyst, environmental friendliness and high product yield.