Cyclic imines, generated in situ from their corresponding N-lithiated amines and a ketone hydride acceptor, undergo reactions with a range of organometallic nucleophiles to generate alpha-functionalized amines in a single operation. Activation of the transient imines by Lewis acids that are compatible with the presence of lithium alkoxides was found to be crucial to accommodate a broad range of nucleophiles including lithium acetylides, Grignard reagents, and aryllithiums with attenuated reactivities.