In methanol CH3OH , the oxidation state of carbon can be determined by assigning oxidation numbers to each atom in the molecule.1. Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1.2. Oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.Now, let's assign the oxidation numbers to the atoms in methanol:C: x unknown oxidation state of carbon H3: 3 * +1 = +3 since there are three hydrogen atoms O: -2 oxidation state of oxygen H: +1 oxidation state of hydrogen The sum of the oxidation numbers in a neutral molecule should be equal to zero. Therefore, we can set up the following equation:x + 3 +1 + -2 + +1 = 0Solving for x:x + 3 - 2 + 1 = 0x + 2 = 0x = -2The oxidation state of carbon in methanol CH3OH is -2.