This Minireview aims to give an introduction to beryllium chemistry for all less-experienced scientists in this field of research. Up to date information on the toxicity of beryllium and its compounds are reviewed and several basic and necessary guidelines for a safe and proper handling in modern chemical research laboratories are presented. Interesting phenomenological observations are described that are related directly to the uniqueness of this element, which are also put into historical context. Herein we combine the contributions and experiences of many scientist that work passionately in this field. We want to encourage fellow scientists to reconcile the long-standing reservations about beryllium and its compounds and motivate intense research on this spurned element. Who on earth should be able to deal with beryllium and its compounds if not chemists?

The complexation ability of hybrid disilane and ethylene containing crown ether ring systems was analyzed using 1,2-disila[12]crown-4 (1), 1,2-disila[15]crown-5 (2), 1,2-disila[18]crown-6 (3), and 1,2,7,8-tetrasila[12]crown-4 (7). Alkali-metal complexes (Li(+), Na(+), K(+)) were obtained and analyzed via X-ray diffraction. The complex stability of [Li(1,2-disila[12]crown-4)](+) and [Li(1,2,7,8-tetrasila[12]crown-4)](+) was determined, in relation to the lithium complex of [12]crown-4, by density functional theory (DFT) calculations employing the BP86/def2-TZVP level of theory. In solution, the exchange of lithium cations between pure [12]crown-4 and hybrid [12]crown-4 is on even terms, as has been shown from the relative binding affinity of compounds 1 and 7 by means of dynamic proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Double bonds have been realized for a wide variety of elements in the p-, d-, and f-blocks. However, no s-block metal complexes with a double bond have been identified. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of a di-ortho-beryllated carbodiphosphorane, which exhibits a double dative BeC bond. This species shows an unprecedented bonding situation at the metal center, which was extensively analyzed by experimental and computational means.

The coordination chemistry of beryllium with ligands containing biologically relevant functional groups is discussed. The geometry, speciation and reactivity of these compounds, aids a better understanding of metal ion induced immune reactions.

The coordination mode around beryllium in proteins and the binding affinity towards the peptide are unknown because there have been no coordination compounds of beryllium with ligands bearing bio-relevant functional groups. We report the first comprehensive study on Be complexes with monodentate carboxylic acids, esters, aldehydes, and alcohols. Through solution and solid-state techniques we determined that the binding affinities of Be ions towards the functional groups are: carboxylate > alcohol > aldehyde > ester. Crystal structures of all the compounds have been determined including the unprecedented dodeca-nuclear macrocyclic ring structure of non-basic beryllium benzoate, which is the first example of those beryllium carboxylates. These findings enable the evaluation of potential beryllium binding sites inside proteins and is required to understand the mechanism of metal-triggered immune responses.