Question

Which of the following statements most accurately describes an intermediate in a reaction mechanism?

• A. The intermediate is always formed in the first step.
• B. The intermediate is always used in the last step.
• C. The intermediate is never part of the rate determining step.
• D. Experimental detection of an intermediate can be used to increase confidence in one pathway over another in a multi-step reaction.

Answer 1

The correct option is A The intermediate is always formed in the first step.

The first step always forms a relatively unstable compound which is intermediate & is consumed in the next step to form a product or second intermediate.

Therefore, (A) is the correct answer.