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In general, a reducing agent may be an atom or ion in any other than the

maximum possible valence form and which has valence electrons, including the

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electrons of a stable electron configuration of s p .

The reduction-oxidation properties of simple substances.

The ability to transfer or join electrons in simple substances can be estimated

using electronegativity. Elements capable of attaching electrons have high

electronegativity (χ = 4.0 ... 3.5).

The most active oxidants are located in the upper right corner of the periodic

system. These are Fluorum, Oxygen, Chlorine, Bromine, Sulfur, and others.

Elements that act as reducing agents have an electronegativity lower than one (χ ≤

1). The most active reducing agents are located in the lower left corner of the

periodic system. This is Cesium, Rubidium, Calcium, Potassium, Barium, and

others like that. It should be noted that the division of elements into metals and

nonmetals corresponds to the value of the electronegativity χ ≈ 2. Consequently,

the reduction-oxidation functions of simple substances depend on the position of

the elements in the periodic system of elements.

The reduction-oxidation properties of ions

In reduction-oxidation processes elements, depending on the conditions, can

have any oxidation state: from the lowest to the highest. So, Chlorine can transfer

from one to seven electrons and gain positive oxidation state or attach one electro

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forming negative chloride-ion Cl

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