Carbon exhibits the unique property of catenation, which is the ability to form long chains by bonding with other carbon atoms. Carbon forms tetravalent covalent bonds that allow it to link up with many other carbon atoms. This catenation property is responsible for the vast variety of organic compounds found in nature. Carbon's small size, high bond energy, tetravalency, and orbital structure promote strong bonding that results in its exceptional ability to form complex cyclic and chain structures through catenation.