Britannica AI Icon

reducing agent

chemistry
Also known as: electron donor

Quick Summary

In chemistry, a reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another chemical compound, thereby reducing it. This process is a key part of oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions, which involve the transfer of electrons between chemical species.123

During a redox reaction, the species that accepts electrons is reduced, while the species that donates electrons (the reducing agent) is oxidized. Many common chemical processes, such as fire, rusting, and respiration, are examples of redox reactions. Reducing agents are essential in various chemical transformations and are fundamental to understanding how chemical reactions occur.4523

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.