https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.T06451
Relating to a short-lived reaction @I03096@. It can be defined only in relation to a time scale fixed by the experimental conditions and the limitations of the technique employed in the detection of the intermediate. The term is a relative one. Transient species are sometimes also said to be '@M03872@'. However, this latter term should be avoided, because it relates a thermodynamic term to a kinetic property, although most transients are also thermodynamically @U06569@ with respect to reactants and products.
See also:
persistent