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AMPHOTERIC BeO
Beryllium is different from other
members of Group IIA because of:
• high ionization energy;
i.e. Be ® Be2+ is difficult
i.e. Be ® Be2+ is difficult
• small size of Be
\ polar covalent bonding is prevalent.
\ polar covalent bonding is prevalent.
BeO is insoluble
in water but dissolves in:
(i) strong acid
BeO + 2H+ + 3H2O ® Be(OH2)42+
BeO + 2H+ + 3H2O ® Be(OH2)42+
(ii) strong base
BeO + 2OH- + H2O ® Be(OH)42-
BeO + 2OH- + H2O ® Be(OH)42-
Such species which
show both acidic
and basic
character are said to be amphoteric.
