Abstract: A method for the preparation of potassium silanolates comprising reacting a mixture comprising solid potassium hydroxide and a polyorganosiloxane described by formula R.sup.1 R.sup.1 R.sup.2.sub.2 SiO(R.sup.2.sub.2 SiO).sub.m R.sup.3 or (R.sup.2.sub.2 SiO).sub.n, where m is an integer from 1 to about 1000, n is an integer from 3 to about 20, R.sup.1 a hydroxyl group or an alkoxy group comprising from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom or an independently selected substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group comprising from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms R.sup.3 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group comprising from 1 to 8 carbon atoms in the presence of an organic solvent which forms an azeotrope with water at a temperature within a range of about 90.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. thereby forming a potassium silanolate.