What is the prefix for a hydrocarbon chain with three carbon atoms?

The prefix for a hydrocarbon chain with three carbon atoms is "prop-." In organic chemistry, the naming of hydrocarbons follows a specific system where prefixes indicate the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain.

For three carbon atoms, "prop-" comes from the Latin word "proprius," meaning 'one of a kind,' and is specifically designated for three-carbon compounds like propane, which is the simplest alkane with three carbons. Understanding these prefixes is essential for correctly identifying and naming various hydrocarbons. In contrast, "hex-" refers to six carbon atoms, "hept-" to seven, and "oct-" to eight. Thus, the prefix "prop-" clearly denotes the presence of three carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain.