R

Reactants

Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team

What is Reactants?

Reactants (or reagents) are the starting materials in a chemical reaction that are consumed as the reaction proceeds to form products. In a balanced chemical equation, reactants appear on the left side of the arrow. The stoichiometric coefficients indicate the molar ratios in which reactants are consumed. The limiting reactant is the one that is completely consumed first, determining the maximum yield.

Key Facts

Term Reactants

Frequently Asked Questions

Reactants (or reagents) are the starting materials in a chemical reaction that are consumed as the reaction proceeds to form products. In a balanced chemical equation, reactants appear on the left side of the arrow. The stoichiometric coefficients indicate the molar ratios in which reactants are consumed. The limiting reactant is the one that is completely consumed first, determining the maximum yield.

More "R" Terms

View all "R" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.