Question

If If an element that oxidizes easily is a strong reducing agent, wouldn't that make Tl the strongest reducing agent in group 3A because it can lose lose electrons easier than Al due to the fact that it is in n=6 shell versus Al which is in a n=3 shell?

Answer 1

Yes you are right, valence electrons in Thalium are far away from the nucleus than Alluminium and it can easily loose electrons and acts as a good reducing agent.

General oxidation state of III A group elements is +3, but Tl exist in +3 as well as +1 also.

And +1 state is more stable than +3 for Tl.

Due to inert pair effect, +1 oxidation state is more stable for heavier element Tl. Hence it won't loose Electron easily and less reducing power compared to rest of elements of that group.