Draw the structure of the neutral product formed in the reaction of dimethyl malonate and methyl vinyl ketone.

Explanation:

The reaction between dimethyl malonate which is an active methylene group with an (∝, β-unsaturated carbonyl compound) i.e methyl vinyl ketone is known as a Micheal Addition reaction. The reaction mechanism starts with the base attack on the β-carbon to remove the acidic ∝-hydrogens and form a carbanion. The carbanion formed(enolate ion) attacks the methyl vinyl ketone(i.e. a nucleophilic attack at the β-carbon) to give a Micheal addition product, this is followed by the protonation to give the neutral product.