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 | 2,200 °C (3,990 °F; 2,470 K) |
| Boiling point | 2,240 °C (4,060 °F; 2,510 K) (decomposes) |
| decomposes | |
| Solubility in [[acids, bases]] | hydrolyzes |
| Structure | |
| Cubic, cI80, SpaceGroup = Ia-3, No. 106 (α form) | |
| Hazards | |
| US health exposure limits (NIOSH): | |
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PEL (Permissible)
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TWA 0.002 mg/m3 C 0.005 mg/m3 (30 minutes), with a maximum peak of 0.025 mg/m3 (as Be) |
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REL (Recommended)
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Ca C 0.0005 mg/m3 (as Be) |
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IDLH (Immediate danger)
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Ca [4 mg/m3 (as Be)] |
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Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 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), unlike Beryllium azide or BeN6, it decomposes in vacuum into beryllium and nitrogen. It is readily hydrolysed forming beryllium hydroxide and ammonia. It has two polymorphic forms cubic α-Be3N2 with a defect anti-fluorite structure, and hexagonal β-Be3N2. It reacts with silicon nitride, Si3N4 in a stream of ammonia at 1800–1900 °C to form BeSiN2.
Beryllium nitride is prepared by heating beryllium metal powder with dry nitrogen in an oxygen-free atmosphere in temperatures between 700 and 1400 °C.
It is used in refractory ceramics as well as in nuclear reactors and to produce radioactive carbon-14 for tracer applications.
Beryllium nitride reacts with mineral acids producing ammonia and the corresponding salts of the acids:
In strong alkali solutions, a beryllate forms, with evolution of ammonia:
Both the acid and alkali reactions are brisk and vigorous. Reaction with water, however, is very slow:
Reactions with oxidizing agents are likely to be violent. It is oxidized when heated at 600 °C in air.
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