The attack of a nucleophile at the β carbon of an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound is called conjugate addition. Conjugate addition reactions of active methylene compounds, such as β-diketones, β-keto esters, β-keto nitriles, and α-nitro ketones, are called Michael addition reactions.

The reaction is catalyzed by a base that abstracts the acidic methylene hydrogen, generating a doubly-stabilized enolate ion that serves as the nucleophile or the Michael donor. The base employed depends on the nature and strength of the electron-withdrawing group in the nucleophile.

The enolate attacks the β carbon of the conjugated system, which acts as the electrophile or the Michael acceptor. These molecules contain double bonds in conjugation with carbonyl, cyano, or nitro groups. Following the nucleophilic attack, a new C–C bond results in the formation of another enolate ion.

Finally, protonation of the enolate, either by the solvent or the starting substrate, gives the Michael-addition product.