Zintl Phases: Transitions between Metallic and Ionic Bonding

Abstract

Abstract Experimental studies on compounds of alkali and alkaline earth metals with semi‐ and metametals have considerably broadened the basis for a discussion of the transition from metallic to ionic bonding. Current interest is focused mainly upon the elucidation of the principles governing the structure of such compounds which are subject to a wide range of variation within this class of materials. A new definition of the term Zintl phase is proposed after consideration of available findings.