Beryllium Acetylacetonate

Beryllium acetylacetonate is a chemical compound with the formula Be(C5H7O2)2. It is an organometallic complex consisting of beryllium coordinated to two molecules of the beta-diketone acetylacetone. The compound is typically prepared by reacting beryllium chloride with acetylacetone in anhydrous conditions.

Beryllium acetylacetonate is a white solid that is soluble in organic solvents such as acetone and chloroform. It is commonly used as a precursor for the deposition of beryllium-containing thin films by techniques such as chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition.

The thermal decomposition of beryllium acetylacetonate has been studied extensively, and it has been found to be a complex process involving multiple steps. Upon heating, the compound initially loses one molecule of acetylacetone to form a beryllium acetylacetonate monomer, which subsequently undergoes further decomposition to produce beryllium oxide and carbon monoxide.

Beryllium acetylacetonate is known to be a toxic and carcinogenic compound due to the presence of beryllium. Proper safety precautions, such as the use of protective equipment and proper ventilation, should be taken when handling this compound.