Which of the following statements must be true of an intermediate in a reaction mechanism?
I. Is produced in an elementary step.
II. Is consumed in an elementary step.
III. Is included in the overall balanced reaction equation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the definition of an intermediate, it is produced in one elementary step and consumed in a later step, making statement I and II both true. However, an intermediate is not included in the overall balanced reaction equation, which only includes the reactants and products. Therefore, statement III is false. Therefore, the correct answer is D, I and II only.

Which of the Following Statements Must Be True of an Intermediate