Michael additions are a type of chemical reaction where a nucleophile adds to an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound. This process typically involves a nucleophile, such as an enolate or a thiol, attacking the β-carbon of the unsaturated system, resulting in the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond. This reaction is significant in organic chemistry because it allows for the construction of complex molecules with diverse functional groups. Michael additions are widely used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, natural products, and other valuable chemical compounds, making them an essential tool for chemists.