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Reducing Agent

A reducing agent typically de-oxidizes a metal. For instance, there are reducing agents that strip the oxygen from rust, returning the iron in the rust to its original pure or alloy form. Usually, a reducing agent donates electrons to a chemical compound, while an oxidizing agent strips electrons from it.

An oxidizing agent is always working with a reducing agent; when electrons are stripped, they must then be donated somewhere else. The reactions involving reducing agents and oxidizing agents are called "redox" reactions. Redox reactions may involve a single electron per atom (or atom pair, the donor and the recipient), or they may involve up to four. In most cases, the number of electrons involved is two, as this is how many oxygen atoms stand ready to accept.

Reducing agents may also change an element or an ion from a high oxidation state to a lower one. Heat is often used as a reducing agent; in some cases, electricity may also be used, although it is more useful as an oxidizing agent.

In redox equations, a reducing agent does not have to be specified, but may simply be indicated as generically present. This is called a half reaction.

Web Resources On Reducing Agent

Oxidizing Agents
Ask A Scientist: Reducing Agents

Book Resources On Reducing Agent

Complex Hydrides and Related Reducing Agents by A. Hajos
Oxidizing and Reducing Agents, Handbook of Reagents for Organic Synthesis by Burke & Danheiser (Editors)

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