Reducing agent

element or compound that loses (or "donates") an electron to another chemical species in a redox chemical reaction; losing electrons,oxidized,"reduces" (are "oxidized" by) oxidizers (oxidizing agents)

A reducing agent is a chemical that gives away electrons to another chemical compound, the oxidizing agent. For example, zinc is a reducing agent. When it reacts with an oxidizing agent, it gives up two electrons, changing its oxidation state from 0 to +2. All chemical elements have an oxidation state of 0.

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