Beryllium carbide

Chemical properties

Red cubic crystal; hard and refractory; density 1.90 g/cm3; decomposes when heated above 2,100°C; reacts with water.

Physical properties

Brick-red or yellowish-red octahedra. Uses: Nuclear reactor cores.

The Uses of Beryllium carbide

Beryllium carbide (Be2C) is used for the cores in nuclear reactors.

The Uses of Beryllium carbide

Beryllium acetylide is used in a nuclear reactor as core material,Nuclear reactor core material: Schwartz.

The Uses of Beryllium carbide

Nuclear reactor core material: Schwartz, US 3170812 (1965 to USAEC).

Preparation

Beryllium carbide is prepared by heating the elements beryllium and carbon at elevated temperatures (above 900°C). It also may be prepared by reduction of beryllium oxide with carbon at a temperature above 1,500°C:
2BeO + 3C → (1500℃)→ Be₂C + 2CO
Beryllium carbide decomposes very slowly in water:
Be₂C + 2H₂O → 2BeO + CH₄
The rate of decomposition is faster in mineral acids with evolution of methane. However, in hot concentrated alkalies the reaction is very rapid, forming alkali metal beryllate and methane:
Be₂C + 4NaOH → 2Na₂BeO₂ + CH₄