Enthalpy is an extensive property. In general, if enthalpy of an overall reaction A → B along one route is ΔrH and ΔrH and ΔrH1, ΔrH2, ΔrH3 ⋯ represent enthalpies of intermediate reactions leading to product B. What will be the relation between ΔrH overall reaction and ΔrH1, ΔrH2 ⋯ etc for intermediate reactions.
In general, if enthalpy of an overall reaction A → B along one route is ΔrH and ΔrH and ΔrH1, ΔrH2, ΔrH3 ⋯ representing enthalpies of reaction leading to same product B along another route, then we have
ΔrH=ΔrH1+ΔrH2+ΔrH3+⋯
Note For a general reaction Hess's law of constant heat summation can be represented as