I have a lot of questions on identify(ing) the functional groups in molecules. I am not sure how to go about finding these out.The first question is THC.

How do I go about knowing the functional group of this molecule? Thank you.

Initials can stand for many things. What is THC? I suppose that could be marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol.

If this is the structure you have in front of you, that is an ether and a phenol. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid

yes, it is tetrahydrocannabinol. I had put because OH is acidic it would be an example of an aromatic alcohol.slightly acidic. also phenol and carbonic acid.

Thank you for letting me know it is only an ether and a phenol.

The OH on a benzene ring is a phenol (not an aromatic alcohol) and is acidic because of that. I don't see any COOH groups on it; therefore, I don't know where the carbonic acid you have labeled comes from.

For the structure see

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/THC

it has three functional groups

alkene
ether (or cyclic ether)
OH group (or phenol depending on your course)

the benzene ring it not taken as a functional group

To determine the functional groups in a molecule, you can follow a systematic approach. Here's how you can identify the functional groups in THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol):

1. Analyze the structure: THC is a complex organic molecule typically found in cannabis plants. It is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms arranged in a specific configuration.

2. Identify the key atoms: Look for atoms that are directly bonded to other atoms. In THC, you will find carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms. These atoms are usually the centers of functional groups.

3. Analyze the functional groups: Functional groups are specific arrangements of atoms that exhibit characteristic chemical behavior. Common functional groups include alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, and many more.

4. Identify the functional groups present: In THC, there are several functional groups to consider:

a. Hydroxyl group (-OH): THC contains a hydroxyl group attached to one of the carbon atoms. This functional group is typical of alcohols.

b. Alkene group (=C): THC possesses a double bond between two adjacent carbon atoms. This double bond is characteristic of alkenes.

c. Alkyl chain: The long chain of carbon atoms in THC is an alkyl group. Alkyl groups are often attached to functional groups and provide additional chemical reactivity.

Overall, in THC, the main functional groups are a hydroxyl group and an alkene group.

Remember, the process described here can be applied to analyze the functional groups in any molecule. By examining the structure, identifying key atoms, and recognizing common functional groups, you can determine the functional groups present in a given molecule.