In chemistry a reactive intermediate is a short-lived, high-energy, highly reactive molecule. When generated in a chemical reaction, it will quickly convert into a more stable molecule. Only in exceptional cases can these compounds be isolated and stored, e.g. low temperatures, matrix isolation. When their existence is indicated, reactive intermediates can help explain how a chemical reaction takes place. * carbon reactive intermediates * Radical * Carbene * Carbocation * Carbanion * Carbyne * Benzyne (an aryne)