Question

A reaction intermediate is a stable compound formed in one step and consumed in another during a multi-step reaction. Which of the following not true about intermediates?

• A. The intermediate is less stable, thus existing at a lower energy than the activated complex.
• B. The intermediate state is stable for extended period of time allowing for long-term experimentation.
• C. More than one intermediate can be formed then used over the course of a reaction.
• D. The intermediate is stable only during the reaction, and can not exist outside of the reaction.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The intermediate state is stable for extended period of time allowing for long-term experimentation.

The reaction intermediate is stable for a limited period of time only as its stability does not allow long time experimentation. While the reaction intermediate always exists at a lower energy the E_a­. Also, the intermediates can one or more & are stable only during the reaction and cannot exist outside of the reaction.

Therefore, (B) is the correct answer.