An optically active compound `A` with molecular formula `C_(8)H_(14)` undergoes catalytic hydrogenation to give an optically inactive product. Which of the following structures for A is/are consistent with all the data?

Options

A.
B.
C.
D.

Explanation

To solve the problem, we need to determine which structure of the compound A (C8H14) is optically active and can yield an optically inactive product upon catalytic hydrogenation. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Understand the requirements
- Compound A has the molecular formula C8H14.
- It is optically active, meaning it must have a chiral center or a configuration that allows for optical activity.
- Upon catalytic hydrogenation, it yields an optically inactive product, which means the product must have a plane of symmetry or be superimposable on its mirror image.

**Hint:** Remember that optically active compounds typically have no plane of symmetry, while optically inactive compounds do.

### Step 2: Analyze the options
We need to evaluate each given structure to see if it meets the criteria.

1. **Option A:** Check for optical activity.
- This structure has a plane of symmetry, making it optically inactive. Thus, it cannot be compound A.

**Hint:** Look for a plane of symmetry in the structure to determine optical activity.

2. **Option B:** Check for optical activity and hydrogenation.
- This structure does not have a plane of symmetry, making it optically active. Upon hydrogenation, it will still be optically active as it retains chirality.

**Hint:** Remember that if a compound is optically active before hydrogenation, it will likely remain so unless it loses chirality.

3. **Option C:** Check for optical activity and hydrogenation.
- This structure is also optically active. However, upon hydrogenation, it can lead to a product that has a plane of symmetry (if the groups are arranged in such a way that they can cancel each other out), making the product optically inactive.

**Hint:** Visualize the hydrogenation process and how the arrangement of groups might change.

4. **Option D:** Check for optical activity and hydrogenation.
- This structure is optically active as well. Similar to option B, after hydrogenation, it will remain optically active.

**Hint:** Again, consider the implications of chirality after the addition of hydrogen.

### Step 3: Conclusion
Based on the analysis:
- Option A is ruled out due to being optically inactive.
- Option B is ruled out because it remains optically active after hydrogenation.
- Option D is ruled out for the same reason as option B.
- Option C is the only structure that can be optically active and yield an optically inactive product upon hydrogenation.

Thus, the structure of compound A is **Option C**.

**Final Answer:** The structure of compound A is Option C.