The present invention relates to novel crystalline alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts of 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydroinosine. The present invention also provides a novel process for preparation of didanosine in high yield and purity using novel intermediates. Thus, for example, 5'-O-acetyl-2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydroinosine is reacted with monomethyl amine to give 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydro inosine, which is then reacted with sodium hydroxide and crystallized to give crystalline 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydroinosine sodium salt. 2',3'-Dideoxy-2',3'-didehydroinosine sodium salt is hydrogenated using raney nickel catalyst in aqueous medium and then neutralized with hydrochloric acid to yield didanosine.