Answer:
[tex]OI^-[/tex]
Explanation:
An intermediate is defined as species which are produced in one step of a reaction and consumed in the other. It is important not to confuse an intermediate with a catalyst. Catalyst is consumed in one reaction and produced in one of the subsequent reactions.
Given the mechanism of this reaction, in the first step we produce [tex]OI^-[/tex]. Notice that the same species, [tex]OI^-[/tex], is produced in the subsequent step 2. In this case, [tex]OI^-[/tex] is the intermediate, as it follows the definition of an intermediate.
For your own information, iodide anion is a catalyst, as it's consumed in step 1 and reproduced in step 2.
