Oxidation state of both carbons CH3CH2OH

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.