A synthesis of β-oxonitriles is reported via the generation of R(1)R(2)CLiCN species followed by the trapping with variously decorated Weinreb amides. The optimization study revealed that lithiation of acetonitriles is best accomplished by deprotonation with MeLi-LiBr at low temperature. The protocol can be conveniently adapted to the synthesis of α-mono or α,α-disubstituted cyanoketones. (15)N- and (17)O-NMR data are reported for selected compounds.