In context with beryllium, which one of the following statements is incorrect?
- It is rendered passive by nitric acid.
- It forms Be2C
- Its salts rarely hydrolyze.
- Its hydride is electron-deficient and polymeric.
Answer
(3) Its salts rarely hydrolyze.
Solution
(1) Beryllium is rendered passive by nitric acid due to the formation of a protective oxide film on its surface. Correct.
(2) Beryllium combines with carbon to form the carbide Be2C (methanide). Correct.
(3) Be2+ is very small with a high charge density (high polarising power), its salts are extensively hydrolysed, e.g.
BeCl2 + 2H2O Be(OH)2 + 2HCl
the statement "its salts rarely hydrolyze" is incorrect.
(4) BeH2 is electron-deficient and polymeric, with three-centre two-electron (Be–H–Be) bridge bonds. Correct.
Answer: (3)