Abstract: A process for the production of monosilanes from the high-boiling residue resulting from the reaction of organohalides with silicon metalloid in a process typically referred to as the "direct process." The present process comprises forming a mixture comprising an organotrihalosilane and the high-boiling residue in the presence of hydrogen gas and a catalytic amount of aluminum trichloride. The present process results in consumption of the organotrihalosilane rather than a net increase which typically occurs in processes for hydrogenation of the high-boiling residue. At least a portion of the catalytic amount of aluminum trichloride may be formed in situ during conduct of the direct process and isolation of the high-boiling residue.