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.

• Links to external chemical sources

[edit] External links

• IARC Monograph "Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds"
• National Pollutant Inventory - Beryllium and compounds fact sheet
• National Pollutant Inventory - Flouride and compounds fact sheet
• Hazards of Beryllium fluoride