Abstract: A method for purifying impure hexamethyldisiloxane comprising as a major portion hexamethyldisiloxane and as a minor portion a mixture of low-boiling organic solvents, other organosilicon compounds, and odor-producing materials is described. The method comprises (A) first, treating the impure hexamethyldisiloxane with a condensation catalyst to convert the organosilicon compounds to additional hexamethyldisiloxane; (B) second, washing the treated impure hexamethyldisiloxane with water; (C) third, separating a water phase from the washed impure hexamethyldisiloxane; (D) fourth, distilling the washed impure hexamethyldisiloxane to yield hexamethyldisiloxane of enhanced purity; (E) fifth, contacting the hexamethyldisiloxane of enhanced purity with acid clay at a temperature of greater than about 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for purifying alkoxysilane with the general formula, R.sub.m Si(OR.sup.1).sub.4-m. The method significantly lowers the level of non-hydrolyzable chlorine-based impurities, as well as the level of hydrolyzable chlorine-based impurities. The method comprises: (i) heating the alkoxysilane in the presence of a treating agent selected from a group which consists of acid clays and metal halides; (ii) contacting the alkoxysilane with a neutralization agent; and (iii) separating the alkoxysilane from the unused neutralization agent and by-products of neutralization.