A reducing agent is a substance used in electrochemistry that reduces another substance. In doing so, it becomes oxidized. Another definition can be formulated as - a reduction agent is the electron donor in a oxidation-reduction reaction.

Reducing agents need to be protected from air because they react with oxygen.

Common reducing agents

• Ferrous ion
• Lithium aluminum hydride
• Nascent hydrogen
• Potassium ferricyanide
• Sodium amalgam
• Sodium borohydride
• Stannous ion

Common reducing agents and their products:

See also

• Oxidizing agent
• Redox titration