Beryllium Chloride

Beryllium chloride is an inorganic compound with the formula BeCl2. It is a white, crystalline solid that readily dissolves in water to give a colorless solution. Beryllium chloride has a linear molecular geometry, with the beryllium atom at the center and two chlorine atoms on either side. Each chlorine atom is covalently bonded to the beryllium atom through a single bond.

Beryllium chloride is highly reactive and hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. It can react violently with water, producing hydrochloric acid and releasing hydrogen gas. As such, care should be taken when handling beryllium chloride.

Beryllium chloride is used in various industrial processes, including as a reagent in organic synthesis and as a catalyst in polymerization reactions. It is also used in the production of beryllium metal, which is used in nuclear reactors, aerospace components, and other high-tech applications. Due to the toxicity of beryllium compounds, proper safety precautions must be taken when handling beryllium chloride.