Beryllium chloride
CAS 7787-47-5
EC 232-116-4
Formula BeCl2
MW 79.92 g/mol
Salts & Minerals Mining & MetalsElectronicsAerospace & Defense Catalysis
Description
Beryllium chloride (BeCl2, CAS 7787-47-5, EC 232-116-4) is an inorganic beryllium salt also referenced under the designations NA 1566 and NSC 84263. It has no assigned E-code and is not approved for food or pharmaceutical use. The compound is classified as a hazardous substance under REACH and subject to strict occupational exposure controls across EU member states.
In organic synthesis, BeCl2 functions as a Lewis acid catalyst, activating carbonyl and other electron-rich groups by accepting electron pairs. It is also used in the production of beryllium metal via electrolytic reduction of molten beryllium chloride, a process central to aerospace-grade alloy manufacturing and nuclear reactor component fabrication.
BeCl2 is supplied in anhydrous form and handled under inert atmosphere conditions due to its hygroscopic nature. It falls under REACH SVHC considerations given beryllium's classification as a Category 1A carcinogen. Procurement requires documented end-use justification and compliance with EU occupational exposure limit frameworks.
In organic synthesis, BeCl2 functions as a Lewis acid catalyst, activating carbonyl and other electron-rich groups by accepting electron pairs. It is also used in the production of beryllium metal via electrolytic reduction of molten beryllium chloride, a process central to aerospace-grade alloy manufacturing and nuclear reactor component fabrication.
BeCl2 is supplied in anhydrous form and handled under inert atmosphere conditions due to its hygroscopic nature. It falls under REACH SVHC considerations given beryllium's classification as a Category 1A carcinogen. Procurement requires documented end-use justification and compliance with EU occupational exposure limit frameworks.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 399.2 °C |
| Boiling Point | 482.3 °C |
| Density | 1.90 g/cm³ |
| Color | Colorless, deliquescent needles, or orthorhombiccrystals |
| Form | white-yellow orthorhombic crystals |
| Water Solubility | very soluble H2O with evolution of heat [MER06]: g/100g solution H2O: 40.35 (0°C), 41.72 (25°C); solid phase, BeCl2 · 4H2O [KRU93]; soluble alcohol, benzene, ether [HAW93] |
Trade & Regulatory
| UN Number | 1566 |
| ADR Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | II |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
BeCl2NA 1566berillium chlorideBeryllium dichlorideberylliumchloride(becl2)Beryllium chloride, betaBERYLLIUM CHLORIDE, SUBL.
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Raw Materials
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