Abstract: This invention is concerned with an improved process for producing trialkoxysilanes comprising (i) an activation step where elemental silicon and a copper catalyst are activated, (ii) a reaction step where an alcohol is contacted with elemental silicon and the copper catalyst to allow it to react with the elemental silicon and (iii) a purification step where reaction product obtained is separated and/or refined, which is characterized in that a halide is introduced into the reaction system and/or mixture in one or more of the above steps (i) to (iii). With the introduction of a halide, the lowering in the selectivity of trialkoxysilanes can be prevented, and the percentage of elemental silicon reacted can be increased. In addition, the trialkoxysilanes contained in the reaction product can be stabilized.

Abstract: A distillable liquid containing non-volatile impurities is freed of those impurities by boiling the liquid to form vapors of the liquid, passing the vapors through a packed column heated to a temperature such that liquid entrained in the vapors is completely vaporized and the non-volatile impurities remain in the packed column, and condensing the vapors from the column.

Abstract: According to the invention, an antistatic/anti-reflecting film of high adhesive strength can be formed easily by forming an SiO.sub.2 film on a cathode-ray tube faceplate by means of a condensation reaction of polyalkyl siloxane consisting essentially of condensed alkyl silicates. As a result, the sintering conditions for forming an antistatic/anti-reflecting film can be set adequately. The antistatic effect can be further enhanced, reflection of the external light can be decreased, and workability can be greatly improved.

Abstract: A method of producing synthetic silica which is characterized by hydrolyzing a tetraalkoxysilane under a basic condition in the presence of an ammonium salt.