The anodic dissolution of beryllium in non-aqueous solutions

The anodic dissolution of Be was studied in Cl^? and Cl0₄^? solutions of methanol, ethanol and N,N-dimethylformamide with water contents < 0.1 g/l at 25°C. The apparent valences of Be ions going into solution ranged from 0.37 to 1.8. The lower values were obtained in alcohol solutions with Cl^?. Considerable gas evolution was noted from the Be surface. The low and anomalous valences are attributed mainly to a chemical dissolution of the metal by reaction with the solution. This reaction is reported to be catalysed by Cl^?. Theeffect of the low watercontent is to hinder the reforming of an oxide or hydroxide film that protects the Be from chemical attack. The numerical value of the valence is mainly dependent on the rate that the Be will chemically react with the media once a current flows that disrupts the surface film.