What is the IUPAC name of the compound with the formula C3H6?

The compound with the formula C3H6 is identified as propene, which is an alkene. Alkenes are hydrocarbons that contain a carbon-carbon double bond. The presence of the double bond in propene contributes to its formula, as the general formula for alkenes is CnH2n, where n is the number of carbon atoms. For C3H6, when n equals 3, it perfectly fits this alkene formula.

In propene, there are three carbon atoms (prop-) and the double bond (ene) between two of those carbon atoms. This structure differentiates propene from propane (which has only single bonds) and propyne (which contains a triple bond). Additionally, butene, which is an alkene with four carbon atoms, is also not applicable here, since we are looking for a compound with only three carbons.

Thus, recognizing the correct bonding and the type of hydrocarbon is crucial, leading us directly to the conclusion that the proper IUPAC name for C3H6 is propene.