Catenation:
It is the phenomenon of an atom to form a strong covalent bond with the atoms of itself. Carbon shares the property of catenation to maximum extent because it is small in size and can form pn-pn multiple bonds to itself. The following conditions are necessary for catenation.
1. The valency of element is greater than or equal to two.
2. Element should have an ability to bond with itself.
3. The self bond must be as strong as its bond with other elements.
4. Kinetic inertness of catenated compound towards other molecules. Carbon possesses all the above properties and forms a wide range of compounds with itself.
