Reduction of 1-naphthylacetonitrile (1) by catalytic hydrogenation using Raney Nickel in a NH3 saturated EtOH solution afforded 2-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine, which was then converted to hydrochloride salt (II). Further condensation with cyclobutanecarbonyl chloride (III) in the presence of K2CO3 provided the target amide.