The extent of catenation depends upon the strength of the element - element bond. The \(\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{N}\) bond strength ( 159 \(\left.\mathrm{kJ} \mathrm{mol}^{-1}\right)\) is weaker than \(\mathrm{P}-\mathrm{P}\) bond strength \(\left(213 \mathrm{~kJ} \mathrm{~mol}^{-1}\right)\). Thus, nitrogen shows less catenation properties than phosphorus.