Beryllium oxide (CAS 1304-56-9)

Beryllium oxide (BeO), also known as beryllia, is a white, crystalline inorganic compound widely utilized in industrial and scientific fields as a ceramic material. It is an oxide of beryllium, a rare earth metal, composed of oxygen and beryllium. Beryllium oxide possesses several properties that make it highly suitable for industrial and scientific applications, such as excellent thermal conductivity, low dielectric constant, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Moreover, its exceptional resistance to chemical attack ensures its durability. The scientific applications of Beryllium oxide encompass a wide range of fields, including nuclear reactors, medical imaging, and optics. Within nuclear reactors, Beryllium oxide functions as a neutron reflector and moderator due to its high neutron absorption cross-section. In medical imaging, Beryllium oxide′s high x-ray absorption cross-section enables its utilization for efficient absorption and imaging of x-rays. Furthermore, Beryllium oxide finds application in optics as it exhibits a low refractive index and a high refractive index of dispersion, making it beneficial for various optical purposes. The mechanisms of action associated with Beryllium oxide involve its capacity to absorb and reflect neutrons, its ability to absorb and scatter x-rays, and its capability to refract light. Beryllium oxide efficiently absorbs and reflects neutrons due to its high neutron absorption cross-section. Similarly, Beryllium oxide effectively absorbs and scatters x-rays owing to its high x-ray absorption cross-section. Additionally, Beryllium oxide demonstrates the ability to refract light owing to its low refractive index and high refractive index of dispersion.