In: Chemistry
An oxidant is also called oxidizing agent, it means it oxidizes other and itself undergoes reduction, a good oxidant will be a good electron acceptor, in order to identify the strong oxidant, we need to see the oxidation state of the element, if the element is in its highest oxidation state then it will act as a strong oxidant, for example, KMnO4, Mn is in +7 oxidation state, which is the highest possible for Mn, similarly, K2Cr2O7 is also a strong oxidizing agent having the highest possible oxidation state of Cr that is +6,
The reductant is also called reducing agent, it means it will be a good electron donor, so in order to be a strong reductant, the element should be in its lowest possible oxidation state, for example, NaH, LiAlH4, NaBH4 are some strong reducing agent, which is strong tendency to donate the electron, metals are generally oxidizing because they are good electron donor.