Question

Oxidation state of both carbons CH3CH2OH

Answer 1

We can write it as CH3CH2OH

Now let us find the oxidation number of oxidation number of methyl carbon, before that you must remember that -

• Oxidation number of each hydrogen atom is +1
• Oxidation Number of each oxygen atom is -2

Now methyl carbon has three hydrogens so (3*1=3), so oxidation number of methyl carbon is -3 as to nullify the overall charge.

2. The oxidation number of carbon bearing alcohol group can be determined as follows

• Oxygen in alcohol has -2 oxidation number but as hydrogen is attached with it (-OH group) the net oxidation number on oxygen is -1.
• The carbon has to H atoms attached to it so net (2*1=2).
• So to nullify the charge Carbon should have -(2–1)=-1.

So The oxidation number of Methyl carbon is -3 whereas oxidation number of hydroxyl group carbon is -1.