Beryllium_carbide

Beryllium carbide

Beryllium carbide

Chemical compound

Beryllium carbide, or Be2C, is a metal carbide.[2] Similar to diamond, it is a very hard compound. It is used in nuclear reactors as a core material.

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Preparation

Beryllium carbide is prepared by heating the elements beryllium and carbon at elevated temperatures (above 950°C). It also may be prepared by reduction of beryllium oxide with carbon at a temperature above 1,500°C:

2BeO + 3C → Be2C + 2CO

Beryllium carbide decomposes very slowly in water and forms methane gas:

Be2C + 2H2O → 2BeO + CH4

The rate of decomposition is faster in mineral acids with evolution of methane.

Be2C + 4 H+ → 2 Be2+ + CH4

In hot concentrated alkali the reaction is very rapid, forming alkali metal beryllates and methane:

Be2C + 4OH− → 2 BeO22− + CH4

See also

References

  1. [1]
    NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. "#0054". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  2. [2]
    "Beryllium Carbide". American Elements. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
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