The four-step synthesis of fluorescent pyrimidine-derived α-amino acids from an l-aspartic acid derivative is described. The key synthetic steps involved preparation of ynone intermediates via the reaction of alkynyl lithium salts with a Weinreb amide, followed by an ytterbium-catalyzed heterocyclization reaction with amidines. Variation of substituents at the C2- and C4-position of the pyrimidine ring allowed tuning of the photoluminescent properties of the α-amino acids. This revealed that a combination of highly conjugated or electron-rich aryl substituents with the π-deficient pyrimidine motif resulted in fluorophores with the highest quantum yields and overall brightness. Further analysis of the most fluorogenic α-amino acid demonstrated solvatochromism and sensitivity to pH.