reductanten

Reductants, also called reducing agents, are substances that donate electrons to another species in a redox (oxidation–reduction) reaction. By giving up electrons, the reductant is oxidized, while the recipient undergoes reduction. The strength of a reductant is related to its tendency to be oxidized; in electrochemical terms, strong reductants have relatively low (more negative) standard reduction potentials and can drive reductions of other species.

In practice, reductants span a wide range of chemical kinds. Inorganic reductants include hydrogen gas, carbon, carbon monoxide, and metals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and aluminum, which can reduce metal oxides or other compounds. In organic synthesis, common reductants are hydride donors like sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4), as well as various molecular hydrogen sources under catalytic conditions. Biological systems rely on cofactors such as NADH and FADH2 to transfer electrons in metabolic pathways, effectively acting as reductants in cellular redox reactions.

Applications of reductants are extensive. They are central to metal ore reduction in metallurgy, organic synthesis of alcohols and other reduced products, and various polymerization and environmental processes. The choice of reductant depends on reactivity, selectivity, and compatibility with the reaction medium. Safety considerations include reactivity with oxidizers, air or moisture sensitivity, and potential hazards from reactive metal powders or strong hydride reagents.

See also: redox reaction, oxidizing agent, standard reduction potential, hydride donor.