Catenation

 Catenation is the property of atom of an element that may be defined as the self-linking of atoms of an element to form chains and rings. it depends upon the value of bond energy which is maximum in the case of carbon.

 C- C    >    Si-Si    >      S-S      >   P-P   >    N-N      >    O-O 

{ Bond energy (in Kj/mol) as 83,54,54,50,39,35 respectively}

The stability or strength of the bond decreases as the bond energy decreases hence the tendency of catenation decreases following-

C  > Si = S  > P > N > O