IUPAC Name of C₃H₆ | cyclopropane

What is the IUPAC name of C₃H₆?

The IUPAC name of C₃H₆ is cyclopropane. It is a cycloalkane with a 3-carbon parent chain (cyclopropane).

FormulaC₃H₆
IUPAC Namecyclopropane
Compound ClassCycloalkane
Parent Chaincyclopropane (3 carbons)
SubstituentsNone
DifficultyIntermediate

Step 1: Identify the Parent Chain

The longest continuous carbon chain in C₃H₆ contains 3 carbon atoms, giving the parent name cyclopropane. The parent structure is based on a carbon ring.

Step 2: Number and Name Substituents

cyclopropane has no substituents. The molecule consists solely of the 3-carbon parent chain with hydrogen atoms filling all remaining bonding positions.

Step 3: Assemble the IUPAC Name

With no substituents to add, the IUPAC name is simply the parent chain name: cyclopropane.

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