Numford
Oxidation number

C in CH₃OH

C is −2 in methanol.

Oxidation number

Type a formula or an ion: K2Cr2O7, Cr2O7 2-, MnO4-, NH4+ or K4[Fe(CN)6]. Put a known ion in brackets when two elements are unknown. Pick an element to solve for it.

C−2

  1. Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals.
  2. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds.
  3. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: 4(+1) + (−2) + x = 0.
  4. x = −2.
Rule steps

How to find it

  1. Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals.
  2. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds.
  3. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: 4(+1) + (−2) + x = 0.
  4. x = −2.
Every atom

All the oxidation numbers in CH₃OH

  • H +14 atoms, hydrogen
  • O −21 atom, oxygen
  • C −21 atom, sum rule
Questions

C in CH₃OH: quick answers

What is the oxidation number of C in CH₃OH?

C in CH₃OH (methanol) is −2.

How do you find the oxidation number of C in CH₃OH?

Hydrogen is +1 when bonded to non-metals. Oxygen is −2 in most compounds. The oxidation numbers add up to the charge, 0: 4(+1) + (−2) + x = 0. x = −2.

What are the oxidation numbers of the other atoms in CH₃OH?

H +1, O −2. Together with C at −2 they add up to the charge of the compound, 0.

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