A method of making (±)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid that comprises condensing isovaleraldehyde with (II) to form primarily (III); reacting the (III) with a cyanide source to form (IV); decarboxylating the (IV) to form (V); hydrolyzing the (V) with an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide to form an alkali or alkaline earth metal carboxylate salt; and hydrogenating the alkali or alkaline earth metal carboxylate salt to form (±)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and are hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, aryl, benzyl, or C3-C6 cycloalkyl. The present invention also provides a method of making (±)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid that comprises condensing isovaleraldehyde with (II) to form primarily (III); reacting the (III) with a cyanide source to form (IV); decarboxylating the (IV) to form an alkali or alkaline earth metal carboxylate salt; and hydrogenating the alkali or alkaline earth metal carboxylate salt to form (±)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid.