A new and simple method for the preparation of 1-aminonaphthalene-2-carbonitrile derivatives has been developed. When 2-(1-arylethenyl)benzonitriles are treated with 2-lithioacetonitrile, 1-amino-4-aryl-3,4-dihydronaphthalene-2-carbonitriles are obtained in good yields. The reaction of 2-(1-aryl-2-methoxyethenyl)benzonitriles with 2-lithioacetonitrile leads to the formation of 1-amino-4-arylnaphthalene-2-carbonitriles in fair-to-good yields.