Beginner Topic 550 of 1102 Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry
Reducing Agent
The species that loses electrons and is oxidized.
Practise Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry All Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry topics
In-depth explanation of Reducing Agent
A reducing agent is the species that donates electrons to another substance and is oxidized in the process. Strong reducing agents, such as alkali metals, hydrogen gas, carbon monoxide, metal hydrides and iron(II) ions, have a strong tendency to lose electrons. The reducing agent is the reactant whose oxidation number increases, and identifying it is essential for predicting how a reaction will proceed. Reducing agents are used in metallurgy to extract metals from their oxides and in many chemical syntheses. Their strength is linked to their standard potentials.
Going deeper: Reducing Agent
Key ideas: The reducing agent donates electrons and is itself oxidized. Strong examples are alkali metals, H2, LiAlH4, NaBH4, Fe2+, Sn2+, C and CO at high temperature. Its oxidation number increases. The lower an E value (more negative), the stronger the reducing power.
Common mistakes and connections: Mistake: confusing it with the substance reduced. Also, a species can be an oxidizing or a reducing agent depending on partner: H2O2 oxidizes Fe2+ but reduces MnO4-. Intermediate oxidation states can do both. Metals extracted from ores use carbon or hydrogen as reducing agents.
Visualization of Reducing Agent
Reducing power as the oxidation potential: lithium and potassium give up electrons most readily, so they are the strongest reducing agents shown. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Zinc is the reducing agent in the zinc-copper cell because it loses electrons and is oxidized to Zn2+.
Frequently asked questions about Reducing Agent
What is Reducing Agent?
The species that loses electrons and is oxidized.
Is Reducing Agent a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Reducing Agent is a beginner topic in Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry. It needs no earlier chemistry lessons and is a good starting point.
What should I learn before Reducing Agent?
Study these earlier topics in Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry first: Reduction, Redox Reactions, Oxidizing Agent.
What comes after Reducing Agent?
The next topics in Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry are Disproportionation and Balancing Redox: Half-Reaction Method.
Can I practise Reducing Agent with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Reducing Agent, and the Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Reducing Agent fits in Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry
Reducing Agent is topic 40 of 105 in Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry.