Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing crosslinked or branched organopolysilanes which contain at least one unit of the general formulae 1 and/or 2 RSi?,??(1) ?Si?,??(2) at least one unit of the general formula 3 R2Si?,??(3) and optionally units of the general formula 4 R3Si—??(4) in which silane(s) of the general formulae 1a and 2a RSiX3,??(1a) SiX4,??(2a) and 3a R2SiX2,??(3a) and optionally silane of the general formula 4a R3SiX,??(4a) where R is hydrocarbyl and X is halo, are reacted with elemental metal, the addition of the reactants being such that the silane of the general formula 3a in the reaction with elemental metal contains at most 2 mol % of silane which is selected from silanes of the general formulae 1a and 2a, and to the organopolysilanes obtainable by the process.

Abstract: A process for preparing crosslinked or branched organopolysilanes involves reacting halosilanes with alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal, the reaction mixture, immediately after reaction has ended, being treated at at least 50° C. for at least 30 seconds with a mineral treating agent which is one or more polysilicic acids, silicates or aluminosilicates.

Abstract: A process for preparing crosslinked or branched organopolysilanes involves reacting halosilanes with alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal, the reaction mixture, immediately after reaction has ended, being treated at at least 50° C. for at least 30 seconds with a mineral treating agent which is one or more polysilicic acids, silicates or aluminosilicates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing crosslinked or branched organopolysilanes which contain at least one unit of the general formulae 1 and/or 2 RSi???(1), ?Si???(2), at least one unit of the general formula 3 R2Si???(3), and optionally units of the general formula 4 R3Si—??(4) in which silane(s) of the general formulae 1a and 2a RSiX3??(1a), SiX4??(2a), and 3a R2SiX2??(3a), and optionally silane of the general formula 4a R3SiX??(4a), where R is hydrocarbyl and X is halo, are reacted with elemental metal, the addition of the reactants being such that the silane of the general formula 3a in the reaction with elemental metal contains at most 2 mol % of silane which is selected from silanes of the general formulae 1a and 2a, and to the organopolysilanes obtainable by the process.