Beryllium carbide

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 → 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.

Be₂C + 4 H⁺ → 2 Be²⁺ + CH₄

However, in hot concentrated alkali the reaction is very rapid, forming alkali metal beryllates and methane:

Be₂C + 4OH⁻ → 2 BeO₂²⁻ + CH₄