Reactive Intermediates
( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)
a reactive intermediate is a short-lived, high-energy, highly reactive molecule. When generated in a chemical reaction, it will quickly convert into a more stable molecule. Only in exceptional cases can these compounds be isolated and stored (e.g., low temperatures, matrix isolation). When their existence is indicated, reactive intermediates can help explain how a chemical reaction takes place