Beryllium hydroxide, also known as hydrated beryllia and beryllium dihydroxide, is a metal hydroxide that has amphoteric properties (behaves both as an acid and base) and chemically represented by Be(OH)₂ ^{[1, 2]}. The pure beryllium hydroxide occurs naturally as the rare, orthorhombic mineral behoite, and very rare monoclinic clinobehoite ^[3].

Beryllium Hydroxide Identification
CAS Number	13327-32-7 [1]
PubChem CID	518753 [1]
ChemSpider ID	24110 [4]
EC Number	236-368-6 [1]
UN Number	1566 [1]
RTECS Number	DS3150000 [1]
InChI Key	WPJWIROQQFWMMK-UHFFFAOYSA-L [1]

How is Beryllium Hydroxide Prepared

Pure beryllium hydroxide is synthesized as a by-product during the extraction of beryllium from mineral ore beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) or bertrandite (Be₄Si₂H₂O₉) ^[5]. The ore is melted, solidified, crushed, and then treated with sulfuric acid to produce a water-soluble sulfate ^[5]. The sulfate undergoes several chemical extraction procedures so that all contaminants are removed and beryllium hydroxide is formed as a precipitate ^[5].

Reactions with Other Compounds

Beryllium Hydroxide and Sodium Hydroxide

When a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide reacts with beryllium hydroxide, it dissolves to produce sodium tetrahydroxoberyllate ^{[2, 6]}:

Be(OH)₂ + 2NaOH → Na₂[Be(OH)₄]

Beryllium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid

It reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form beryllium chloride, as indicated by the following chemical equation ^[2]:

Be(OH)₂ + 2HCl → BeCl₂ + 2H₂O

Properties and Characteristics of Beryllium Hydroxide

General Properties
Molar Mass/Molecular Weight	43.026 g/mol [1]
Physical Properties
Color and Appearance	White, opaque crystalline powder [7]
Density	1.92 g cm-3 [7]
Melting Point	138 ° C, 280.4 °F (decomposes) [7]
Boiling Point	N/A [7]
State of matter at room temperature	Solid
Solubility	Soluble in hot sodium hydroxide and acids, slightly soluble in dilute alkali [8]
Solubility in Water	Almost insoluble in water (0.0000023965 g per L) [8]
Heat Capacity (C)	1.443 J K-1
Atomic Properties
Crystal Structure	Linear with tetrahedral beryllium centers

What Is It Used for

• As a source in the manufacture of beryllium and its oxide ^[8].
• In braking systems, engines, altimeters, and precision tools in the aerospace industry ^[9].
• Producing anti-lock brake systems, steering wheel components, and air-bag sensors ^[9].
• Manufacturing medical laser components, X-ray tube windows, and dental crowns ^[9].
• Making nuclear reactor components, missile guidance systems, and heat shields in defense industry ^[9].

Is It Safe

Beryllium hydroxide is known to be carcinogenic and repeated exposure through contact, inhalation, or ingestion may cause organ toxicity ^[1]. It is also hazardous to aquatic life ^[1].

References
1. Beryllium Hydroxide – Pubchem.ncbi.nim.nih.gov
2. Some Beryllium Chemistry Untypical Of Group 2 – Chemguide.co.uk
3. Beryllium Dihydroxide (13327-32-7) – Chemchart.com
4. Beryllium Hydroxide – Chemspider.com
5. Sources of Beryllium – Berylium.com
6. Beryllium Hydroxide React with Sodium Hydroxide – Chemiday.com
7. Beryllium Hydroxide – Americanelements.com
8. Beryllium Hydroxide – Chemicalbook.com
9. Beryllium Hydroxide Market Analysis By Application (Aerospace, Automotive, Biomedical, Defence, Electrical and telecommunications), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America And Middle East & Africa), 2014 To 2025 – Grandviewresearch.com