Alkanoate esters are found to couple with various nitriles to give (Z)-3-amino-2-alkenoates in good yields with the aid of a magnesium amide prepared by the reaction of ethylmagnesium bromide and diisopropylamine. The C–C bond forming reaction was applied to (2S,3S)-2,3-(cyclohexylidenedioxy)butanenitrile and the resulting adduct was successfully converted into N-benzoyl-L-daunosamine in 41% overall