Catenation is the linking of similar atoms which depends on size and electronic configuration of atoms. The tendency of catenation in Group 14 elements follows the order

The ability to form a long chain by using atoms of the same element is known as catenation. This property is shown by those elements that have at least two valence electrons and form strong bonds among themselves. Catenation property decreases down the group because the atomic size increases, thereby the bond between the similar atoms becomes weaker.

Both carbon and silicon show catenation, but carbon shows the catenation property more effectively than silicon. The trend of catenation property of group-14 elements is:

$\mathrm{C}\gg >\mathrm{Si}>\mathrm{Ge}\approx \mathrm{Sn}$