Beryllium bromide, BeBr2, closely resembles the chloride. It forms white crystals which melt at about 490° C., and begins to volatilise below its melting-point. By distillation in a current of carbon dioxide it is obtained quite pure. Its vapour density agrees with the formula BeBr2. Water attacks it violently with evolution of hydrogen bromide.
It is easily obtained in solution by dissolving beryllium oxide or hydroxide in hydrobromic acid. Anhydrous beryllium bromide has been prepared by the action of bromine or hydrogen bromide on the metal, by the action of bromine on beryllium carbide, and by passing bromine over a heated mixture of beryllium oxide and carbon. |