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 Chapter 18: Enols and Enolates 
Ch 18 contents
The Michael Addition reaction
the Michael reaction
Reaction type : Conjugate addition

Summary

Related reactions

MECHANISM OF THE MICHAEL ADDITION
Step 1:
First, an acid-base reaction. Hydroxide functions as a base and removes the acidic α-hydrogen giving the reactive enolate.
mechanism of the Michael addition
Step 2:
The nucleophilic enolate attacks the conjugated ketone at the electrophilic alkene C in a nucleophilic addition type process with the electrons being pushed through to the electronegative O, giving an intermediate enolate.
Step 3:
An acid-base reaction. The enolate deprotonates  a water molecule recreating hydroxide and the more favourable carbonyl group.
 

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organic chemistry © Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry University of Calgary