Using bond-counting (O > C > H; C-C bonds count zero), find the algebraic sum of the oxidation numbers of the two carbon atoms in ethanol, $CH X_{3} CH X_{2} OH$ . Give an integer.

Numerical answer type, tolerance 0.01.

Answer: -4

The methyl carbon has three C-H bonds:

- 3

. The

CH X_{2} OH

carbon has two C-H (

- 2

) and one C-O (

+ 1

- 1

. Sum

= - 3 + (- 1) = - 4

. Check:

6 (+ 1) + (- 2) = + 4

is balanced by

- 4

on carbons.