A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons in a chemical reaction, causing another substance to be reduced. In this process, the reducing agent itself gets oxidized. Common examples of reducing agents include metals like zinc and iron, which can lose electrons and help convert other compounds into their lower oxidation states. Reducing agents are essential in various chemical processes, including metallurgy and organic synthesis. They play a crucial role in reactions such as redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions, where the transfer of electrons between substances occurs, facilitating the transformation of materials.