Michael Addition: The 1,4‑Addition You’ll See in Orgo II

Master the Michael addition: enolate (soft nucleophile) 1,4‑adds to an α,β‑unsaturated carbonyl, then protonation gives a 1,5‑dicarbonyl. Learn 1,2 vs 1,4 rules and practice.

• Electrophile: α,β‑unsaturated carbonyl (enone/enal)
• Nucleophile: Stabilized enolate (e.g., 1,3‑dicarbonyl enolate)
• Key bond formed: Nu–Cβ (conjugate addition)
• Product pattern: 1,5‑dicarbonyl (often)
• Big exam contrast: Hard nucleophiles (e.g., Grignard) often give 1,2-addition
• Exam type: Predict the major product
• Exam type: Choose the mechanism
• Exam type: Regiochemistry (1,2 vs 1,4)