The most commonly used reducing agent is

The +4oxidation state of Sn is more stable than +2 oxidation state. Therefore, Sn2+ can be easily oxidized to Sn4+ and hence SnCl2 acts as a reducing agent.
SnCl2 + 2Cl
SnCl4 + 2e-


The other compound elements are in their most stable electronic state.

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