Abstract: A method of forming preceramic polymers using a organopolysilane of the formula [(RSiH).sub.x (RSi).sub.y ].sub.n, where R is a lower alkyl group having from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, a lower alkenyl group having from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted lower aryl group having from 6 to about 10 carbons atoms, a tri(lower)alkyl- or di(lower)alkylsilyl group and n is an integer greater than 1, and reacting it with alkali metal amides or silylamides in catalytic quantities is disclosed. Preferably, the alkali metal amide is a polymeric alkali metal silylamide of the formula [(R.sup.1 SiHNH).sub.a (R.sup.1 SiN).sub.b (R.sup.1 SiHNM).sub.c ].sub.m where a+b+c=1; R.sup.