reducing agent
Noun
Meaning
a substance capable of bringing about the reduction of another substance as it itself is oxidized; used in photography to lessen the density of a negative or print by oxidizing some of the loose silver
Source: WordNetSynonyms
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Examples
A notable example is titanium(III) chloride (TiCl 3 ), which is used as a catalyst for production of polyolefins (see Ziegler-Natta catalyst ) and a reducing agent in organic chemistry.
Conversely, the sodium is oxidized or is the electron donor, and thus induces reduction in the other species and is considered the reducing agent.
Carbon monoxide was (and is) the reducing agent of choice for smelting.
Associated reactions The rusting of iron is an electrochemical process that begins with the transfer of electrons from iron to oxygen. citation The iron is the reducing agent (gives up electrons) while the oxygen is the oxidising agent (gains electrons).
During biosynthesis ascorbate acts as a reducing agent, donating electrons and preventing oxidation to keep iron and copper atoms in their reduced states.
Lithium aluminium hydride ( LiAlHmain ) is commonly used as a reducing agent in organic synthesis.