Beryllium nitride
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| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.013.757 |
| Properties | |
| 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) |
| soluble | |
| Structure | |
| Cubic, cI80, SpaceGroup = Ia-3, No. 106 (α form) | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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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]
Preparation
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
It is used in refractory ceramics[2] as well as in nuclear reactors and to produce radioactive carbon-14 for tracer applications.
Reactions
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
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