Beryllium Fluoride (BeF2)-Powder

Characteristic




Beryllium fluoride is the inorganic compound with the formula BeF2. This white solid is the principal precursor for the manufacture of beryllium metal. Its structure resembles that of quartz, but BeF2 is highly soluble in water.




Chemical formula：BeF2

Molar mass：47.01 g/mol hygroscopic

Appearance：colorless lumps

Density：1.986 g/cm3

Melting point：554 °C (1,029 °F; 827 K)

Boiling point：1,169 °C (2,136 °F; 1,442 K)[1]

Solubility in water：very soluble

Solubility：sparingly soluble in alcohol

Crystal structure：Trigonal, α-quartz




Application




Reduction of BeF2 at 1300 °C with magnesium in a graphite crucible provides the most practical route to metallic beryllium:

BeF2 + Mg → Be + MgF2




The chloride is not a useful precursor because of its volatility.