Beryllium fluoride

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Beryllium fluoride is the chemical compound with the formula BeF2. As is characteristic of all berylliium compounds, this species features Be2+ ions. This synthetic material is the principal precursor for the manufacture of beryllium metal, which is obtained by reduction of BeF2 at 1300° C:[1]

BeF2 + Mg → Be + MgF2

BeF2 is isoelectronic with CO2 and SiO2. It adopts a polymeric structure resembling that of the mineral crystobalite. Gaseous BeF2 is molecular. The difference between the ambient temperature structures of BeF2 and CO2 reflects the decreased tendency of alkali metals to form multiple bonds. Gaseous BeF2, which exists only at high temperatures, is a linear molecule with a Be-F distance of 177 pm.[1] An analogy exists between BeF2 and AlF3: both adopt extended structures at mild temperature.

Relevant information: CAS Registry number [7787-49-7] Melting point is 552 °C.

[edit] Safety

All beryllium compounds are highly toxic. Beryllium fluoride is very soluble in water and is thus absorbed easily.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Holleman, A. F.; Wiberg, E. "Inorganic Chemistry" Academic Press: San Diego, 2001. ISBN 0-12-352651-5.

[edit] External links


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