To determine the oxidation state of the carbon atoms in the molecule C2H5OH ethanol , we need to assign oxidation states to each atom in the molecule. 1. Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1.2. Oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.The molecule C2H5OH can be written as CH3CH2OH. Let's break it down into three parts: CH3, CH2, and OH.For the CH3 group:C + 3 H = 0C + 3 +1 = 0C = -3For the CH2 group:C + 2 H = 0C + 2 +1 = 0C = -2For the OH group:O + H = 0 -2 + +1 = 0Now, let's put the molecule back together: CH3CH2OHThe oxidation state of the first carbon in CH3 is -3, and the oxidation state of the second carbon in CH2 is -2.