Beryllium iodide

Template:Chembox new Beryllium iodide is the chemical compound with the formula BeI₂. It is very hygroscopic and reacts violently with water, forming hydroiodic acid.

Reactions

Beryllium iodide can be prepared by reacting beryllium metal with elemental iodine at temperatures of 500°C to 700°C:

Be + I₂ → BeI₂

Beryllium iodide is also formed when beryllium carbide with hydrogen iodide in the gas phase:

Be₂C + 4 HI → 2 BeI₂ + CH₄

The iodine in beryllium iodide is easily replaced with the other halogens; it reacts with fluorine giving beryllium fluoride and fluorides of iodine, with chlorine giving beryllium fluoride, and with bromine giving beryllium bromide. The solid and vapor are both flammable in air.