Reduktas

Reduktas is a term used in chemistry, particularly in Lithuanian-language texts, to describe a substance that donates electrons to another substance in a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction. In English terminology, the corresponding concept is the reducing agent or reductant. When a reductant transfers electrons to a partner, the partner is reduced and the reductant is oxidized. Reduktas can be an element, molecule, or ion, and it may participate in redox chemistry across inorganic, organic, and biochemical contexts.

Common examples of reductants include molecular hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and certain metals in appropriate conditions (such as zinc or iron in aqueous systems). Organic reductants such as sodium borohydride or lithium aluminum hydride are widely used in laboratory reductions. In biology, reducing equivalents like NADH and FADH2 function as natural reductants in metabolic pathways, supplying electrons to the electron transport chain and other redox reactions.

The strength of a reductant is often discussed in terms of standard redox potentials. In general, substances with more negative standard reduction potentials are stronger reductants, because they are more readily oxidized and thus more able to donate electrons. Reduktas are contrasted with oxidants or oxidants agents, which accept electrons in redox processes.

Usage and applications of reductants span metal refining, corrosion chemistry, organic synthesis, electrochemistry, and biochemistry. Understanding reductants involves considerations of electronegativity, reaction conditions, solvent effects, and compatibility with the reaction partner.