A reaction intermediate is formed in one step of a reaction mechanism and consumed in a later step, cancelling from the net chemical equation. A reaction intermediate can connect the transformations in energy coupling; it is distinct from a transition state. See the IUPAC Gold Book: intermediate.
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A reaction intermediate is a species that is formed during the course of a chemical reaction but is not present in the final products. It exists transiently and is usually unstable, often having a shorter lifespan than the reactants and products. Intermediates play a crucial role in the mechanism of a reaction, as they can provide insight into how reactants transform into products through various steps. In a multi-step reaction, intermediates are typically produced in one step and consumed in subsequent steps.