text: solve this chemistry enigma ??plzzzzzzzzz...? an organic compound a of molecular formula c2h6o on oxidation gives an acid b with the same no of carbon atoms as a . compound a  is often used for sterlizisation of skin by doctors. name the compund a and b . write the chemical equation involved in the formation of b from a . it  would be helpful if u tell be what is sterilization of skin ????????? your compound a is ethanol: h3c-ch2oh.  it is an alcohol which can be used for sterilizing (killing germs) on surfaces.  ever see an old western movie where they get a bottle of whiskey and dribble some over the knife blade before they start to cut open the wound to remove the arrow?  that's what ethanol can do.  by oxidizing ethanol, you can create ethanoic acid, otherwise known as acetic acid: h3c-c(o)-oh  h3cch2oh  + o2  ======>  h3c-c(o)oh  + h20