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Let E(Z,N) denote the ground state energy of neutral molecules composed of N atoms with charges Z. Then E(Z,N) = a Z^{7/3} + b Z^2 + lower order in Z. This asymptotic expansion in Z can be deduced from the semi-classical analysis (h=Z^{-1/3}) of the operator H=-h^2Delta + V, where V is the Thomas-Fermi potential. The main analytic tool are coherent states. This is a joint work with J.P. Solovej.