confused about oxidation number

calios

guys anyone can help me ?
im bit confused when talkin about oxidation number in alkyl group
like
R-NO₂
or
R-CN
when this compound react with reducing agent like H₂
can somebody explain me? most example in book or internet doesnt use hydrocarbon reaction
thank you :)

Borek

Oxidation number of what?

calios

oxidation number of R (alkyl) so its relate calculation with other

Borek

Does it matter? It doesn't change during reduction of -NO₂ or -CN.

Please remember that oxidation numbers don't exist - there is no physical property that can be measured and used to determine the ON, they are just an artificial accounting device.