adjective
reductive
Relating to a chemical change in which a substance gains electrons.
During the reductive reaction, copper ions gain electrons and form metal.
Etymology
The chemical family grew from bringing a metal back from a compound. Reductive now describes reactions defined more generally by a substance's gain of electrons.
More examples
- The chemist uses hydrogen to create a reductive environment.
- A reductive process converts iron oxide into iron.
- The team studies reductive reactions at the battery's cathode.
Forms
reductive
reduction noun — A chemical change that involves gaining electrons.
reductant noun — A substance that gives electrons to another.
Similar words
- reducing
- Describes an agent or environment that causes electron gain.