ABSTRACT
The general chemistry of beryllium (Be )is influenced drastically by its small ionic radius, 0. 031 nm, and its correspondingly high charge-to-radius ratio, z/r = 64.5 nm-1, the highest of any element. This may be compared to the z/r ratios of the other light metals given. Because of the polymeric structures, the identity and activity of charged species of beryllium in solution are unpredictable. Additionally, Be is amphoteric and the formation of many of its compounds is a direct result of this aspect of its chemistry. Spectroscopic evidence continues to be published, as exemplified by the work on a new predissociated state of the beryllium monochloride molecule. Additionally, the corrosion film compounds occurring on beryllium have been analyzed by V. Ya. Kolot et al. using mass spectroscopy. From the extensive investigations conducted in the course of the nuclear and space programs, a large number of thermodynamic values for beryllium compounds have accumulated.
