Catenation Definition and Examples

chemical structure of benzene.
Benzene is formed by the catenation of carbon atoms chained to each other by covalent bonds to form a simple ring. Todd Helmenstine
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.
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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.