Intermediate

Name:
Intermediate
Detailed information:
An organic compound, either cyclic (derived from coal tar or petroleum products such as benzene, toluene, naphthalene, etc.) or acyclic (e.g., ethyl and methyl alcohol). These compounds may be considered as chemical stepping stones between the parent substance and the final product. The cyclic type (e.g., aniline, β-naphthol, and benzoylbenzoic acid) still predominate as intermediates for synthetic dyes and have few other uses; the acyclic type in general have many independent uses. Exceptions are hexamethylenetetramine, an acyclic intermediate for phenolformaldehyde resin and butadiene for synthetic elastomers. Intermediates are the foundation of the modern approach to organic technology. The distinction between an intermediate and an end product is not always precise.See Azo Dye Intermediate.