An oxidizing agent (oxidant), gains electrons and is reduced in a chemical reaction. It is also known as electron acceptor. The oxidizing agent is usually in one of its higher possible oxidation states as it will gain electrons and be reduced.Examples of oxidizing agents are:\tpotassium nitrate\thalogens\tnitric acidA reducing agent (reductant), loses electrons and is oxidized in a chemical reaction.\xa0It is typically in one of its lower possible oxidation states and is known as an electron donor. A reducing agent is oxidized because it loses electrons in the redox reaction.Examples of reducing agents are:\tformic acid\tthe earth metals\tsulfite compounds
An oxidizing agent is substance which oxidizes something else. In the above example, the iron(III) oxide is the oxidizing agent. A reducing agent reduces something else. In the equation, the carbon monoxide is the reducing agent.Oxidizing agents give oxygen to another substance.Reducing agents remove oxygen from another substance.