ainevahelisi

Ainevahelisi is a term used in Estonian chemistry literature to describe transient chemical species that appear during a reaction mechanism. In English, these are called intermediates. They are formed from reactants and are consumed to give products.

Intermediates are not typically present in the overall stoichiometry, though they can be isolated in some cases. Their lifetimes vary widely, from microseconds to hours, depending on conditions and reactivity.

Common types include carbocations, carbanions, free radicals, and metal-activated species, but the exact identity depends on the reaction. Intermediates may be stabilized by solvents, temperature, or complexation with catalysts.

Detection and study rely on rapid or in situ techniques because many intermediates are short-lived. Methods include time-resolved spectroscopy, low-temperature trapping, and reactions that convert the intermediate into a stable product for analysis.

Understanding ainevahelisi helps reveal reaction mechanisms, improve kinetic models, and guide the design of synthetic routes and catalytic cycles.