Non-nuclear Maxima of the Electron Density

Abstract

Simple arguments and quantum mechanical calculations are used to analyze the occurrence of non-nuclear maxima (NNMs) in the electron density of crystals and molecules. The recent controversy concerning the experimental detection of NNMs in Be and Si is thus clarified, and NNMs are shown to be a normal step in the evolution of chemical bonding of homonuclear groups as internuclear distances decrease.