Beryllium nitrate

Description

Beryllium nitrate is said to have the molecular formula of Be(NO3)2 and the molecular weight of grams per mole. It is very soluble in water.
It could be prepared by the action of nitric acid on beryllium carbonate, oxide or hydroxide:
BeCO3 + 2HNO3 ? Be(NO3)2 + CO2 +H2O
Be(OH)2 + 2HNO3 ? Be(NO3)2 + 2H2O
It is described as Be(NO3)2·4H2O, a compound that forms colorless, deliquescent crystals that are soluble in water, and used to introduce beryllium oxide into materials used in incandescent mantles. However, in view of recent developments concerning the behavior of the Be³⁺ cation in solution, the more likely reactions are:
BeCO3 + 2HNO3 ? Be(OH)NO3 + CO2 + 1/2H2O
Be(OH)2 + 2HNO3 ? Be(OH)NO3 + 3/2H2O

Chemical properties

White to faintly yellowish, deliquescent mass. Soluble in water, alcohol.

Physical properties

DTA analysis of the tetrahydrate showed that it dissolves in its own waters of hydration at about 60.4°C. Heating above 101°C causes decomposition with loss of water and oxides of nitrogen plus formation of the oxide. The decomposition is complete at 250°C. Thermal decomposition of these salt hydrates occurs by release of nitric acid which then breaks down to form the nitrogen oxides, rather than break down of the nitrate anion itself. The anhydrate has been prepared by the reaction of beryllium chloride with N2O4 dissolved in ethylacetate. If heated in a vacuum above 50°C, the product, Be(NO3)2·2N2O4, evolves oxides of nitrogen to produce the anhydrate.
The tetrahydrate has a CAS number of 13597-99-4 and molecular weight is grams per mole. Anhydrous beryllium nitrate is a white to pale yellow crystalline solid. Beryllium nitrate trihydrate (CAS number = 7787-55-5) forms slightly yellow crystals with a vapor pressure 49.8 mm Hg at 25°C. Its melting point is 60.5°C and it decomposes completely at 102.3°C. Its Enthalpy of vaporization = 37.72 kJ/mol and its boiling point is 83°C at 760 mm Hg where it becomes anhydrous. Beryllium nitrate is a tumorigen, mutagen and reproductive effector in rats and, presumably in humans.
Beryllium metal dissolves readily in nonoxidizing acids such as HCl and H2SO4, but not in nitric acid as this forms the oxide (this behavior is similar to that of aluminum metal). Beryllium, again similarly to aluminum, dissolves in warm alkali to form the beryllate anion, Be(OH)4^2-, and hydrogen gas.

Physical properties

Beryllium nitrate, also known as beryllium dinitrate, is an ionic beryllium salt of nitric acid with the chemical formula Be(NO).Each formula unit is composed of one Be2+ cation and two NO-anions.

The Uses of Beryllium nitrate

Beryllium nitrate is used as a hardening agent for mantles on gas lanterns.

The Uses of Beryllium nitrate

Chemical reagent, gas-mantle hardener.

Preparation

Anhydrous beryllium nitrate has been prepared by the reaction of anhydrous beryllium chloride with an ethylacetate-dinitrogen tetroxide mixture to give Be(NO3)2 · 2N2O4 [Addison and Walker 1963]. When heated above 50 °C (120 °F) in a vacuum, oxides of nitrogen are evolved, leaving anhydrous beryllium nitrate. The anhydrous salt is stable to approximately 125 °C (255 °F), when a sudden decomposition occurs to give nitrogen tetroxide and a volatile compound that separates from the gas phase as colorless Be4O(NO3)6 crystals. These crystals are slowly hydrolyzed when added to water.

Hazard

Very toxic. Oxidizing material, dangerous fire risk.

Hazard

Beryllium nitrate is a toxic chemical,like all other beryllium compounds. It is also an irritant in small doses. When burned, it gives off irritating or toxic fumes. However, when massive short-term exposure occurs, acute pneumonitis can set in, but symptoms do not manifest themselves for 3 days.

Safety Profile

Confirmed carcinogen. Poison byintraperitoneal, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes.Experimental reproductive effects. When heated todecomposition it emits very toxic fumes of BeO and NOx.

Synthesis

Beryllium nitrate can be prepared by reacting beryllium hydroxide in nitric acid.
Be(OH) + 2 HNO → Be(NO) + 2 HO