Catenation can be defined as the self-linking property of an atom to other atoms of the same element through sharing electrons to form chains and rings.
The formation of layers like two-dimensional catenation and space lattices like three-dimensional catenation is also observed.
Carbon has a unique nature in that it is able to catenate and form millions of organic compounds.
Carbon can form a long chain due to catenation; thus bonding with other carbon atoms. By catenation, carbon can produce single, double and triple bonds.
Examples of elements showing catenation: Carbon, Silicon, Boron
A picture showing catenation of Carbon in a straight-chain, branched-chain, and cyclic ring: