Reactive intermediates

Reactive intermediates are transient species that form during the course of a chemical reaction but do not typically appear in the final products. These intermediates are often highly reactive and may exist for only a very short period of time. They play a crucial role in understanding the mechanisms of chemical reactions. There are several types of reactive intermediates, including: 1. **Carbocations**: Positively charged carbon species that have only six electrons in their valence shell, making them highly reactive.