Abstract: A method for hydrolyzing chlorosilanes having at least three chlorine atoms bonded to each silicon atom to form silicone resins. The method comprises adding at least one of hydridotrichlorosilane, tetrachlorosilane, or organotrichlorosilane to a two-phase mixture comprising a non-polar organic solvent, an aqueous phase comprising 0 to about 43 weight percent hydrochloric acid, and a surface active compound selected from the group consisting of alkylsulphonic acid hydrate, alkali metal salt of alkylsulphonic acid, arysulphonic acid hydrate, and alkali metal salt of arylsulphonic acid.

Abstract: A coating is formed on a substrate by depositing a solution comprising a resin containing at least 2 Si—H groups and a solvent in a manner in which at least 5 volume % of the solvent remains in the coating after deposition followed by exposing the coating to an environment comprising a basic catalyst and water at a concentration sufficient to cause condensation of the Si—H groups and evaporating the solvent from the coating to form a porous network coating. The method of the invention is particularly useful for applying low dielectric constant coatings on electronic devices.