The KA2 coupling reaction under green, solventless, heterogeneous catalysis

•CuI on Amberlyst A-21 is a green efficient catalyst for the KA2-coupling reaction.•Both primary and secondary amines can be used.•Aliphatic alkynes and linear ketones react successfully for the first time.•The catalyst is cheap and can be recycled and recovered easily.•Propargylamines obtained in good to excellent yields under heterogeneous catalysis.

Amberlyst A-21 supported CuI was found to be highly efficient novel heterogeneous catalyst for the three-component reaction between ketones, amines and alkynes, commonly called KA2-coupling. This inexpensive, easy-to-prepare, simple and recyclable catalyst has been employed in solventless conditions in the KA2 coupling reaction involving both primary and secondary amines, ketones and various alkynes. The secondary and tertiary propargylamine products were obtained in good to excellent results in moderate reaction times.

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