Unusual reactivity of amine-dienophile Michael adducts in polar protic medium-acetic acid

•Synthesised a few novel Michael adducts.•Compare the reactivity of Michael adducts in polar protic media-acetic acid and methanol.•Michael adducts show high reactivity in polar protic medium-acetic acid. A few novel Michael adducts were synthesised and compared their reactivity in two polar protic solvents: acetic acid and methanol. Upon refluxing in acetic acid, Michael adducts underwent extensive decomposition. Decomposition of Michael adducts is accelerated by the dienophile present in the reaction medium. But in methanol, Michael adducts remained unchaged even in the presence of dienophiles. [Display omitted]