Catenation occurs most readily in carbon, forming covalent bonds to form longer chains and structures with other carbon atoms. This is why the vast number of organic compounds are found in nature. Carbon is best known for its catenation properties, with the analysis of catenated carbon structures in organic chemistry.

What are the conditions for catenation?

The following conditions are necessary for catenation. (i) the valency of element is greater than or equal to two, (ii) element should have an ability to bond with itself (iii) the self bond must be as strong as its bond with other elements (iv) kinetic inertness of catenated compound towards other molecules.

What causes carbon catenation?

The sigma bonds formed by the adjacent atoms in carbon is strong enough so that perfectly stabilized chains can be formed between the atoms. This is the reason why carbon exhibits the catenation property.