Question

Carbon shows catenation property but why doesn't lead , explain?

Answer 1

since the carbon has more small atoms so the bond formed between them is more strong and so it shows maximum catenation.

Answer 2

Extensive catenation of carbon is due to the fact that C-C and C=C bonds have high dissociation enthalpy, and therefore stronger bond strength due to which long chains are stable. This can be traced to the fact that carbon is small and has higher charge density. As we go down the group, the overlap of orbitals decreases, ie. The size of the atom increases, and so bond strength decreases due to which catenation is not possible. As lead is the further down the group than carbon, it's Pb-Pb bond is weaker and thus less capable to indulge in catenation.