Abstract: A process for the preparation of organopolysilanes which comprises reacting at least one disilane of the general formulaR.sub.k R.sup.3.sub.m Si.sub.2 (OR.sup.1).sub.6-k-m (I)in which the radicals R may be the same or different and are hydrogen atoms or monovalent, saturated organic radicals, the radicals R.sup.3 may be the same or different and are monovalent, unsaturated organic radicals, the radicals R.sup.1 may be the same or different and are monovalent alkyl groups, k is 0, 1, 2 or 3, and m is 1, 2, 3 or 4, in which the sum of k and m is less than or equal to 4, and optionally mixed with a disilane of the formulaR.sub.n Si.sub.2 (OR.sup.1).sub.6-n (II)in which R and R.sup.1 are the same as above and n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, in the presence of at least one compound of the general formulaMOR.sup.2 (III)in which R.sup.2 is a monovalent hydrocarbon radical and M is an alkali metal atom.