Glyceraldehyde is named based on its structure:
- It is a three-carbon molecule (\( C_3H_6O_3 \)) with two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to the second and third carbons.
- The aldehyde group (\( -CHO \)) is located at the first carbon atom.
- Thus, the correct IUPAC name is 2,3-dihydroxypropanal.