Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: uman on February 15, 2008, 07:27:54 PM
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Hi,
What is the oxidation number of the carbon atom in methanol?
I claim that it is +1, because C-H bonds are nonpolar, so there is an oxidation number of 0 for each hydrogen atom, and the OH group has an oxidation number of -1, leading to an oxidation number of +1 for the carbon atom.
My friend disagrees, claiming that hydrogen atoms are always considered to have an oxidation number of +1 when bonded to a nonmetal and therefore that the oxidation number of the carbon atom is -2.
Neither one of us is very sure, however. Who is correct?
Thank you.
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Your friend is right. Remember, carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen.