4-O-Methyl-D-galactosaminehydrochloride (2-amino-2-deoxy-4-O-methyl-D-galactosehydrochloride) has been prepared in crystalline form from 1,6:2,3-dianhydro-β-D-talopyranose and has been characterized through the following crystalline derivatives: N-(2′-hydroxynaphthylidene), methyl N-acetyl-α-D-glycoside and methyl N-acetyl-3,6-di-O-acetyl-α-D-glycoside.