Tetrasubstituted
propargylamines comprise a unique class of highly
useful compounds, which can be accessed through the multicomponent
coupling between ketones, amines, and alkynes (KA
2
coupling),
an underexplored transformation. Herein, the development of a novel,
highly efficient, and user-friendly catalytic system for the KA
2
coupling, based on the environmentally benign, inexpensive,
and readily available zinc acetate, is described. This system is employed
in the multicomponent assembly of unprecedented, tetrasubstituted
propargylamines derived from structurally diverse, challenging, and
even biorelevant substrates. Notable features of this protocol include
the demonstration of the enhancing effect that neat conditions can
have on catalytic activity, as well as the expedient functionalization
of hindered, prochiral cyclohexanones, linear ketones, and interesting
molecular scaffolds such as norcamphor and nornicotine.