sentence: Intermediates are found at minimum points of energy, and they can live for a very long time.
sentences_before: It is very difficult to study a transition state. This is because it is so high in energy that the molecules will stay in that form for a very short time, usually femtoseconds. It is important not to confuse transition states with intermediates.
sentences_after: Like a transition state, however, an intermediate is between reagents and products of a reaction.
concept_name: intermediate
headings: Transition state
categories: Chemical kinetics