What is Catenation in Carbon

What is Catenation in Carbon

Another peculiar behaviour of carbon is its ability to form longest chains with its own atoms. If any element forms bonds between its own atoms to give big molecules we call that property as catenation property.
Carbon has the ability to form longest chains containing millions of carbon atoms in molecules like some proteins. Sulphur, phosphorus and some other non metals have this property but to a very less extent.

You have understood that carbon can form:
a) Four single covalent bonds ,
What is Catenation in Carbon 1
b) A double bond and two single covalent bond s (C = C)
c) A single covalent bond and a triple bond (–C ≡ C), or two double bonds (C = C = C) with its own atoms or atoms of other elements to satisfy its tetravalency.

This ability of carbon to form bonds in so many ways made it as versatile element in nature. Hence, carbon’s ability
1) to form largest number of compounds
2) to show catenation
3) to form various types of bonds made it the versatile element.

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