The self linking property of carbon is called catenation. Catenation is the ability of carbon atoms to link together and form chains or rings. This property is essential for the formation of organic molecules, which are the building blocks of all living things. Carbon atoms can form single, double, or triple bonds with each other, and they can also bond with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. The different ways that carbon atoms can bond together give rise to the enormous diversity of organic molecules.