Abstract: A process is disclosed for inhibiting or eliminating foams and bubbles produced in the course of treating acidic gases with an aqueous solution. Defoaming is effected by the use of a modified silicone compound having the general formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1 -R.sub.8 are organic residues of 1-10 carbons, and n is an integer, and characterized by part of R.sub.1 -R.sub.8 being substituted by a group of the general formula--R.sub.9 --OHwhere R.sub.9 is a hydrocarbon or organic residue of 1-10 carbons; or characterized by part of R.sub.1 -R.sub.8 being substituted by a group of the general formula--NR.sub.10 R.sub.11where R.sub.10 and R.sub.11 are either hydrogen or hydrocarbon or organic residue of 1-10 carbons.