Catenation refers to carbon’s ability to form bonds with other carbon atoms, creating long chains, branched structures, or rings. This property is unique to carbon due to its ability to form stable covalent bonds with itself.
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Catenation is the unique property of carbon to form strong, stable covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, leading to the ability to create long chains, branched structures, or rings. This property is exclusive to carbon due to its small atomic size and moderate electronegativity, allowing it to readily share electrons and form multiple bonds. Carbon-carbon bonds are strong and versatile, facilitating the construction of diverse and complex molecular structures. Catenation is a key factor in carbon’s ability to generate an extensive variety of organic compounds, contributing to the richness and diversity observed in the world of chemistry and biochemistry.