5. Gain and Loss of Electrons   Previous PageNext Page
       Both Acidic and Basic: BeO


Beryllium oxide cannot be dissolved by pure water; the molecules are not polar enough to overcome the covalent contribution and pull the crystal apart into and ions.

BeO can be dissolved in acid, however (right). The protons of the acid attack the ions and help break up the crystal lattice:



or more simply:



The beryllium ion is hydrated in acid solution with four water molecules, as mentioned previously.

 
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