Beryllium cyanide
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Other names
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3D model (JSmol) |
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| Properties | |
| Be(CN)2 | |
| Molar mass | 61.05 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless solid[1][2] |
| Density | 1.34 g/cm3[2] |
| Melting point | 700 °C (1,292 °F; 973 K)[1] (decomposes) |
| Hydrolysis[1] | |
| Structure[2] | |
| cubic | |
| Pn3m | |
a = 5.339 Å | |
Lattice volume (V) |
151.2 Å3 |
| tetrahedral (beryllium) | |
| Related compounds | |
Other cations |
Magnesium cyanide |
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 cyanide is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula Be(CN)2. It is a toxic white solid which hydrolyses in water. It was first prepared in 1963 by the addition of dimethylberyllium to a solution of hydrogen cyanide in benzene:[1]
- (CH3)2Be + 2 HCN → Be(CN)2 + 2 CH4
A safer modern synthesis has been developed, reacting trimethylsilyl cyanide and beryllium chloride in dibutyl ether. Performing this reaction in liquid ammonia gives the ammoniate, Be(NH3)4(CN)2.[2][3]
Beryllium cyanide reacts with pyridine to form Be(CN)2(py)2.[4]