Reaction intermediate

A reaction intermediate is a species that is formed during the course of a chemical reaction but is not present in the final products. It exists transiently and is usually unstable, often having a shorter lifespan than the reactants and products. Intermediates play a crucial role in the mechanism of a reaction, as they can provide insight into how reactants transform into products through various steps. In a multi-step reaction, intermediates are typically produced in one step and consumed in subsequent steps.