define the term catenation
Answers
Answer:
the property of self -linking of atoms of an element through covalent bonds in order to form straight chain, branched chain and cyclic chain of different sizes is called Catenation
Explanation:
Catenation can be defined as the self-linking of atoms of an element to form chains and rings. This definition can be extended to include the formation of layers like two-dimensional catenation and space lattices like three-dimensional catenation.
Catenation occurs most readily in carbon, forming covalent bonds to form longer chains and structures with other carbon atoms. This is why the vast number of organic compounds are found in nature. Carbon is best known for its catenation properties, with the analysis of catenated carbon structures in organic chemistry.
Carbon is by no means the only element capable of forming such catenae, however, and several other main group elements are capable of forming a wide range of catenae, including silicon, sulfur, and boron.
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