7787-49-7

white powder

ChEBI: The fluoride salt of beryllium (+2 oxidation state). In the solid state it exists as a glass, with four-coordinate Be2+ tetrahedral centres and two-coordinate fluoride centres. As a gas it adopts a linear triatomic structure and in the liquid state a fluctuating tetrahedral structure. In protein crystallography it is used as a mimic of phosphate.

manufacture of Be and Be alloys; manufacture of glass; in nuclear reactors.

Odorless white solid. Denser than water.

Water soluble.

Beryllium fluoride is incompatible with the following: Acids, caustics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, oxidizers, magnesium, molten lithium .

Any dramatic weight loss should be considered as possible first indication of beryllium disease. Inhalation causes irritation of nose, throat, and lungs, severe pneumonitis, and/or pulmonary edema. Ingestion causes fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite. Contact with eyes causes severe irritation and burns. Contact with skin causes dermatitis and non-healing ulcers.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic and irritating vapor of unburned material may form in fire.

A known carcinogen. Toxic by inhalation and ingestion.

Beryllium fluoride has the formula, BeF2, and is a hygroscopic, amorphous solid with a melting point of 800°C. It is soluble in water and is used in beryllium metallurgy in which the metal, Be, is employed as an alloy. Solid crystalline BeF2 has a silica-like structure with beryllium in a four-coordinate position.

Glassy solid; tetragonal crystal system; hygroscopic; density 2.1 g/cm³; melts BERYLLIUM FLUORIDE 101 at 552°C; vaporizes at 1,169°C; very soluble in water; sparingly soluble in alcohol.

Beryllium fluoride is made by thermal decomposition of ammonium beryllium fluoride at 900 to 950°C.

Confirmed carcinogen withexperimental carcinogenic and tumorigenic data byinhalation. Poison by ingestion, subcutaneous,intravenous, and intraperitoneal routes. Incompatible with Mg. When heated to decomposition, itemits very toxic fumes of BeO and F