pH

stereochemistry &ph

I guess also transition metals can catalyse Michael reactions at neutral or even slightly acidic conditions.

Lack of basic catalysts. For example, piperidine or sodium ethoxide.

Dear M. Andersson,

Try with a mild base at a high dilution in low temperature. Hope it may gives you a positive result.

The factors to control Michael addition reactions are :1)Use of mild base catalyst like piperidine 2)using moderate temperature

How about conducting the reaction at low temperature in ice-bath.