So - what is the difference between a reagent and a reactant?

[episodic]

Examples for a non-chemistry person please.

 

[Crono]

I thought reagent was the term used more for organic chemistry, and reactant was more general.

At least I never really used "reagent" until organic chem I.

 

[gaidensensei]

They are interchangeable depending on what is the question you're being asked.

Personally I separate them by thinking like this:
re-agent
re-act(or)

 

[RapidSnail]

Reactants are usually the things that provide the raw materials to be converted to products. Reagents are the things that help the reaction occur, such as catalysts.

 

[MJinZ]

Reagent is used to refer to intermediates that facilitate a process, like Acid, water, NaOH, or whatever.

A reactant is the substance that turns or becomes consumes into a product, such as Sodium -> Sodium Chloride. Chloride would be the other reactant.