In the periodic table, beryllium is in a diagonal position with aluminum in group IIIA, and their properties are very similar. The standard electrode potentials are similar: they are all active metals. They are all oxygen-loving elements, and the metal surface is easy to form an oxide protective film, which can be passivated by concentrated HNO₃. Both are amphoteric metals. Hydroxides are also amphoteric. Both BeO and Al2O3 oxides have high melting points and high hardness. Both BeCl2 and AlCl3 are electron-deficient covalent compounds that form polymeric molecules through bridging bonds. Beryllium salts and aluminum salts are easy to be hydrolyzed, and the hydrolysis is acidic. Beryllium carbide Be2C, like Read more