Beryllium chloride

Synonyms

Beryllium chloride (BeCl2); Beryllium dichloride; [ChemIDplus] UN1566

Category

Beryllium Compounds, Inorganic

Description

White or slightly yellow solid; Very deliquescent; Soluble in water (evolves heat); [Merck Index] White or yellow lumps; Reacts with water forming hydrochloric acid; [MSDSonline] Hygroscopic--forms beryllium chloride tetrahydrate; [Ullmann]

Sources/Uses

Used as a catalyst and chemical intermediate for beryllium compounds; [HSDB]

Comments

Causes burns to skin and eyes; [HSDB] A severe skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause beryllium sensitization after skin or respiratory contact; Dust or fume inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause chronic beryllium disease; Decomposes rapidly on water contact--hydrogen chloride produced; [ICSC] Reacts with water forming HCl and heat; [Ullmann] See "Beryllium" for one additional linked occupational disease.

Biomedical References

Yes

5E-05 mg/m3, as Be, inhalable fraction

0.002 mg/m3, as Be, Ceiling(OSHA) = 0.005 mg/m3, as Be(0.025 mg/m3,as Be,for 30 min.peak per 8-hr shift)

4 mg/m3, as Be

Explanatory Notes

VP = 1 mm Hg at 291 deg C (sublimes); [HSDB] The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Beryllium compounds, n.o.s."

Yes

Yes

Skin burns

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Chronic beryllium disease