Both structures consist tetrahedral Be2+ centers interconnected by doubly bridging chloride ligands.

The other form resembles zinc iodide with interconnected adamantane-like cages.

[5] The linear shape of the monomeric form is as predicted by VSEPR theory.

The linear shape contrasts with the monomeric forms of some of the dihalides of the heavier members of group 2, e.g. CaF2, SrF2, BaF2, SrCl2, BaCl2, BaBr2, and BaI2, which are all non-linear.

[5] Beryllium chloride dissolves to give tetrahedral [Be(OH2)4]2+ ion in aqueous solutions as confirmed by vibrational spectroscopy.