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Chemical Datasheet

BERYLLIUM CHLORIDE

 6.1 - Poison

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 7787-47-5
  • 1566
  • Poison
  • BEC
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Beryllium & beryllium compounds (as Be)
  • BERYLLIUM CHLORIDE
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
White to green solid with a sharp odor. (USCG, 1999)

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Reacts with water with evolution of heat. Forms beryllium oxide and hydrochloric acid solution. Corrodes most metals in presence of moisture. Flammable and explosive hydrogen gas may collect in enclosed spaces (USCG, 1999).
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic and irritating beryllium oxide fumes and hydrogen chloride may form in fires. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Inhalation causes pneumonitis, nasopharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, dyspnea, chronic cough. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. Contact with dust causes conjunctival inflammation of eyes and irritation of skin. Any dramatic, unexplained weight loss should be considered as a possible first indication of beryllium disease. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
Acidic salts, such as BERYLLIUM CHLORIDE, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions. This material reacts with vigor with sulfur nitrides. Some explode upon intimate mixing, i.e. tetrasulfur tetranitride.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

No information available.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 154 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Do not use water on adjacent fires. (USCG, 1999)
Non-Fire Response
Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Flush with water, rinse with dilute solution of sodium bicarbonate or soda ash. (USCG, 1999)
Protective Clothing
Respiratory protection; gloves; freshly laundered clothing; chemical safety goggles (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
INHALATION: chest x-ray should be taken immediately for evidence of pneumonitis.

EYES: flush with water for at least 15 min.; if irritation persists, get medical attention.

SKIN: cuts or puncture wounds in which beryllium may be embedded under the skin should be thoroughly cleansed immediately by a physician. (USCG, 1999)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • BeCl2
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 824°F (USCG, 1999)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 1.9 at 77°F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 968°F at 760 mmHg (sublimes) (USCG, 1999)
Molecular Weight: 79.9 (USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: 4 mg Be/m3 ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Beryllium chloride (7787-47-5) 0.02 mg/m3 0.22 mg/m3 0.89 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code		 EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ		 EPCRA 304
EHS RQ		 CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI		 RCRA
Code		 CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Beryllium Compounds N050 & 313
Beryllium chloride 7787-47-5 1 pound 313c

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names