https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.T06451
Relating to a short-lived reaction @[email protected] 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 '@[email protected]'. However, this latter term should be avoided, because it relates a thermodynamic term to a kinetic property, although most transients are also thermodynamically @[email protected] with respect to reactants and products.
See also:
persistent