propene

Propene, also known as propylene, is a colorless, flammable gas with the chemical formula C3H6. It is the simplest member of the alkenes with a terminal double bond, having the structure CH2=CH-CH3 and the IUPAC name prop-1-ene.

It is a nonpolar molecule, sparingly soluble in water, and has a boiling point of −42.1 °C. At room temperature it exists as a gas; it is highly reactive at the carbon–carbon double bond, undergoing addition reactions such as hydrogenation, halogenation, hydrohalogenation, hydration, and polymerization.

Propene is a major industrial feedstock for polypropylene, used in packaging, textiles, automotive parts, and consumer goods. It is primarily produced by steam cracking of naphtha or gas oils, and by catalytic dehydrogenation of propane. Small amounts are also produced in other refinery processes.

Safety and storage: Propene is highly flammable and should be stored in appropriate pressurized containers away from heat and oxidizers. It is denser than air and can form flammable mixtures; adequate ventilation and leak detection are important. Exposure can irritate the respiratory system.