What is the fundamental reason Beryllium is restricted to a maximum coordination number of 4 in its complex compounds (such as ), unlike other alkaline earth metals?

Question

What is the fundamental reason Beryllium is restricted to a maximum coordination number of 4 in its complex compounds (such as $[Be(OH)_4]^{2-}$), unlike other alkaline earth metals?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Beryllium is a period 2 element. Its valence shell contains only one s-orbital (2s) and three p-orbitals (2p), meaning there are only 4 orbitals available for bonding. The absence of vacant d-orbitals restricts its maximum coordination number to 4.

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