Intermediates

[Andrew Ghaly 3H]

Why exactly are intermediates not used when determining the rate law of a reaction?

[Johnchou1A]

I believe that since they are initially formed and then used in the overall reaction, they do not provide an accurate portrayal of the actual reaction itself. As in, the rate law (including intermediates) doesn't show the actual reactants used. That is why we must solve for the intermediate during the pre-eq approach to basically show the rate law with respect to reactants.