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Beryllium iodide

Beryllium iodide

General
Systematic name	Beryllium iodide
Molecular formula	Be I₂
Molar mass	262.821 g/mol
Appearance	colorless needle-like crystals
CAS number	[7787-53-3]
Properties
Density and phase	4.325 g/cm³, solid
Solubility	Reacts violently with water^[1] Slightly soluble in CS₂ Soluble in ethanol^[2]
Melting point	510°C
Boiling point	590°C^[1]
Hazards
Main hazards	see Berylliosis
NFPA 704
R/S statement	R: ? S: ?
RTECS number	?
Related compounds
Other anions	Beryllium fluoride Beryllium chloride Beryllium bromide
Other cations	Magnesium iodide Calcium iodide
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Beryllium iodide is the chemical compound with the formula BeI₂. It is very hygroscopic and reacts violently with water, forming hydroiodic acid.

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Reactions

Beryllium iodide can be prepared by reacting beryllium metal with elemental iodine at temperatures of 500°C to 700°C^[1]:

Be + I₂ → BeI₂

Beryllium iodide is also formed when beryllium carbide with hydrogen iodide in the gas phase:

Be₂C + 4 HI → 2 BeI₂ + CH₄

The iodine in beryllium iodide is easily replaced with the other halogens; it reacts with fluorine giving beryllium fluoride and fluorides of iodine, with chlorine giving beryllium fluoride, and with bromine giving beryllium bromide. The solid and vapor are both flammable in air^[2].

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Perry, Dale L. & Phillips, Sidney L., , CRC Press, pp. 63, ISBN 0849386713, . Retrieved on 2007-12-10
^ ^a ^b Parsons, Charles Lathrop, written at Easton, Pa., , Chemical Publishing, pp. 22-23, . Retrieved on 2007-12-10