The methylchlorosilanes react with water to produce hydrogen chloride, giving siloxanes.
In the case of trimethylsilyl chloride, the hydrolyzed product is hexamethyldisiloxane: The analogous reaction of dimethyldichlorosilane gives siloxane polymers or rings: Many compounds containing Si-Cl bonds can be converted to hydrides using lithium aluminium hydride, This kind of conversion was demonstrated for the preparation of silane: Silicon tetrachloride and trichlorosilane are intermediates in the production of ultrapure silicon in the semiconductor industry.
Methyltrichlorosilane can be used to induce branching and cross-linking in PDMS molecules, while chlorotrimethylsilane serves to end backbone chains, limiting molecular weight.
Other acid-forming species, especially acetate, can replace chlorine in silicone synthesis with little difference in the chemistry of the finished polymer.
These analogues of chlorosilanes are quite common in the sealants and adhesives marketed to consumers, and as precursors for medical-grade silicone, because of reduced toxicity.