Science, Tech, Math › Science Catenation Definition and Examples Share Flipboard Email Print Benzene is formed by the catenation of carbon atoms chained to each other by covalent bonds to form a simple ring. Todd Helmenstine Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. our editorial process Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated July 03, 2019 Catenation Definition: Catenation is the binding of an element to itself through covalent bonds to form chain or ring molecules. Examples: Carbon is the most common element that exhibits catenation. It can form long hydrocarbon chains and rings like benzene. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Catenation Definition and Examples." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-catenation-and-examples-604886. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 27). Catenation Definition and Examples. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-catenation-and-examples-604886 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Catenation Definition and Examples." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-catenation-and-examples-604886 (accessed September 27, 2021). copy citation