Question

Write a short note on catenation. [3 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each point: 1 Mark

• Carbon has the unique ability to form bonds with other atoms of carbon, giving rise to large molecules. This property is called catenation.
  
• These compounds may have long chains of carbon, branched chains of carbon or even carbon atoms arranged in rings. In addition, carbon atoms may be linked by single, double or triple bonds.
  
• No other element exhibits the property of catenation to the extent seen in carbon compounds. The carbon-carbon bond is very strong and hence stable. This gives us the large number of compounds with many carbon atoms linked to each other.