How does a reducing agent function in a chemical reaction?

A reducing agent functions by donating electrons to another substance in a chemical reaction. This process leads to the reduction of the other substance while the reducing agent itself becomes oxidized. The ability of the reducing agent to provide electrons is fundamental in various chemical processes, particularly in redox reactions where there is a transfer of electrons between species.

When a reducing agent donates electrons, it effectively reduces the oxidation state of the other reactant, allowing it to gain those electrons and thus undergo a reduction. This characteristic of reducing agents is critical in many chemical applications, including energy production and synthesis reactions in organic and inorganic chemistry.

The other roles mentioned, such as stabilizing ions or increasing temperatures, do not align with the fundamental definition or function of a reducing agent in redox chemistry. Reducing agents are characterized specifically by their capacity to donate electrons, which facilitates the reduction of other substances.