| Abstract: | Spectroscopic methods have recently been developed that allow the direct detection of reactive intermediates under favorable circumstances. The most general and reliable method, however, is still the indirect one, which makes use of the priciple of kinetic competition; this method is based on the freedom of the intermediate to choose between several reaction possibilities. The following discussion is addressed less to the specialist in reaction mechanisms than to the outsider who wishes to obtain some idea of the value and limitations of the kinetic method. |
