Question

Catenation is the ability of an element to:

• A. Form metalic bonds
• B. Form covalent bonds with different elements
• C. Form ionic bonds
• D. Form chains of identical atoms

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Form chains of identical atoms

Answer 2

Catenation is the unique ability of an element to form strong covalent bonds with other atoms of the same element, leading to the formation of long chains, branched chains, or rings. This property is most prominently seen in carbon, which forms the basis of millions of organic compounds. Other elements like silicon, sulfur, and phosphorus also exhibit catenation to a lesser extent.

• "Form metallic bonds" is incorrect as catenation involves covalent bonding.
• "Form covalent bonds with different elements" is incorrect as catenation specifically refers to bonding with identical atoms.
• "Form ionic bonds" is incorrect as catenation involves covalent bonding.
• "Form chains of identical atoms" accurately describes catenation.