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Science 1 August 2003:
Vol. 301. no. 5633, pp. 607 - 608
DOI: 10.1126/science.1088103
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Perspectives

CHEMISTRY:
Electrons as Anions

James L. Dye

In most materials, electrons are either associated with specific atoms or molecules, or are delocalized as in a metal. In his Perspective, Dye discusses recent insights into materials in which electrons behave very differently: They take the place of negatively charged ions. Most of these so-called electrides are only stable at very low temperatures. Matsuishi et al. report a new inorganic electride that is stable at room temperature. Materials of this kind may find application in electron emission, catalysis, and refrigeration.

The author is in the Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. E-mail: dye{at}msu.edu

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)