When the electrophile used in the acetylacetic or malonic synthesis is a,b -unsaturated, a 1,5-dicarbonyl will be formed, this type of reaction is called Michael addition.

michael addition 1

 

Stage 1. Formation of the ketoester enolate

michael addition 2

Step 2. Nucleophilic attack of the a,b -unsaturated ketoester enolate

michael 3 addition

Stage 3. Hydrolysis of the ester

michael 4 addition

Stage 4. Decarboxylation

michael 5 addition