What is Reaction intermediate?
A '''reaction intermediate''' or simply '''intermediate''' is a [[molecule]] that is formed during a [[chemical reaction]]. It is not the final [[product (chemistry)|product]], but it is something that is more like the product than the [[reactant]]s. After every step in a [[reaction mechanism]], an intermediate is formed. Intermediates usually stay around for a little time because they are very reactive. However, it is important not to confuse an intermediate with a [[transition state]]. The latter is at a point of maximum energy. An intermediate instead is at a point of minimum energy, i.e. it is a stable molecule. Intermediates can be isolated from a reaction if needed. For example, in the reaction: A + B → X → C + D X is the intermediate. In going from A + B to X and from X to C + D, the reaction will go through a transition state. [[Category:Chemical kinetics]]