[uman]

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.

[Sev]

Your friend is right.  Remember, carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen.