Beryllium nitride
| Beryllium nitride | |
|---|---|
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 1304-54-7  |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | Be3N2 |
| Molar mass | 55.06 g/mol |
| Appearance | yellow or white powder |
| Density | 2.71 g/cm3 |
| Melting point |
2200 °C |
| Boiling point |
2240 °C (decomp) |
| Solubility in water | hydrolyzes |
| Structure | |
| Crystal structure | Cubic, cI80, SpaceGroup = Ia-3, No. 106 (α form) |
 (verify) (what is:  / ?)Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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| Infobox references | |
Beryllium nitride, Be3N2, is a nitride of beryllium. It can be prepared from the elements at high temperature (1100–1500 °C),[1] different Beryllium azide or BeN6,it decomposes in vacuum into beryllium and nitrogen.[1] It is readily hydrolysed forming beryllium hydroxide and ammonia.[1] It has two polymorphic forms cubic α-Be3N2 with a defect anti-fluorite structure, and hexagonal β-Be3N2.[1] It reacts with silicon nitride, Si3N4 in a stream of ammonia at 1800–1900°C to form BeSiN2.[1]
Contents |
Preparation [edit]
Beryllium nitride is prepared by heating beryllium metal powder with dry nitrogen in an oxygen-free atmosphere in temperatures between 700 and 1400 °C.
Uses [edit]
It is used in refractory ceramics[2] as well as in nuclear reactors and to produce radioactive carbon-14 for tracer applications.
Reactions [edit]
Beryllium nitride reacts with mineral acids producing ammonia and the corresponding salts of the acids:
- Be3N2 + 6 HCl → 3 BeCl2 + 2 NH3
In strong alkali solutions, a beryllate forms, with evolution of ammonia:
- Be3N2 + 6 NaOH → 3 Na2BeO2 + 2 NH3
Both the acid and alkali reactions are brisk and vigorous. Reaction with water, however, is very slow:
- Be3N2 + 6 H2O → 3 Be(OH)2 + 2 NH3
Reactions with oxidizing agents are likely to be violent. It is oxidized when heated at 600°C in air.
References [edit]
- ^ a b c d e Egon Wiberg, Arnold Frederick Holleman (2001) Inorganic Chemistry, Elsevier ISBN 0-12-352651-5
- ^ Hugh O. Pierson, 1996, Handbook of Refractory Carbides and Nitrides: Properties, Characteristics, Processing, and Applications, William Andrew Inc.,ISBN 0-8155-1392-5
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