What is catenation? Why does carbon show maximum tendency of catenation?

Catenation is the property of an element to form long chains or rings by bonding with itself. Carbon shows maximum catenation due to its strong covalent bonds and ability to form stable chains.

Why carbon shows maximum catenation

• Carbon atoms form strong C–C covalent bonds.
• Carbon is tetravalent, so it can form four bonds.
• Bond energy of C–C bonds is high, making chains stable.
• Carbon can form straight chains, branched chains, and rings.

This property is the basis of organic chemistry. Millions of compounds like hydrocarbons, proteins, carbohydrates, and plastics exist because of carbon’s ability to form long stable chains through catenation.