The highest catenation ability is shown by

Options

A. Oxygen
B. Sulphur
C. selenium
D. tellurium

Answer

To determine which element shows the highest catenation ability, we need to understand what catenation is and which elements are capable of forming long chains or rings through self-linking.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Catenation**:
- Catenation is the ability of an element to form long chains or ring structures by bonding with itself. This property is significant in the formation of complex molecules.

2. **Identifying Elements with Catenation Ability**:
- The elements that commonly exhibit catenation include carbon (C), silicon (Si), sulfur (S), and boron (B).

3. **Evaluating Catenation in Each Element**:
- **Carbon (C)**: Carbon is known for its exceptional ability to catenate, forming long chains and complex structures (e.g., hydrocarbons).
- **Silicon (Si)**: Silicon can also form chains, but its catenation ability is less than that of carbon.
- **Sulfur (S)**: Sulfur can form cyclic structures like S8, which indicates a notable catenation ability.
- **Boron (B)**: Boron has limited catenation ability compared to the other elements mentioned.

4. **Comparing Catenation Abilities**:
- Among the listed elements, carbon is known to have the highest catenation ability, followed by sulfur, silicon, and then boron.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The element that shows the highest catenation ability is **Carbon (C)**.

### Final Answer:
The highest catenation ability is shown by **Carbon (C)**.

---