Consider this reaction mechanism: Step 1: Mo(CO)6→ Mo(CO)5 + CO Step 2: Mo(CO)5 + P(CH3)3→ Mo(CO)5P(CH3)3 Which of these is an intermediate

Mo(CO)5 is the intermediate in this reaction mechanism.

Explanation:

The reaction mechanism describes the sequence of elementary reactions that must occur to go from reactants to products. Reaction intermediates are formed in one step and then consumed in a later step of the reaction mechanism.

In this reaction mechanism, Mo(CO)5 is the product of 1st reaction and then it is used as a reactant in 2nd reaction. So, Mo(CO)5 is the reaction intermediates.

The overall balanced equation would be,

Mo(CO)6 + P(CH3) ↔ CO + Mo(CO)5 +  P(CH3)3

the answer is minerals.