Reducing agent

Reducing Agent

A Reducing agent or reductant is an element or compound that loses (or "donates") an electron to an electron recipient (an oxidizing agent) in a redox chemical reaction.

Overview

A reducing agent is typically in one of its lower possible oxidation states, and is known as the electron donor. A reducing agent reduces (causes to gain electrons) the other substance and is itself oxidized (loses electrons).

Examples

Examples of reducing agents include the earth metals, formic acid, and sulfite compounds.

Earth Metals

Earth metals such as lithium, sodium, and aluminum are good examples of reducing agents. These metals donate electrons in the redox reaction, thereby reducing the other substance.

Formic Acid

Formic acid is another example of a reducing agent. It donates a proton (H+) in the redox reaction, thereby reducing the other substance.

Sulfite Compounds

Sulfite compounds are also reducing agents. They donate electrons in the redox reaction, thereby reducing the other substance.

See Also

• Oxidizing agent
• Redox
• Electron donor
• Oxidation states

References

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