Method for redistribution and purification of methylsilanes

Abstract

A redistribution process for enriching a low-boiling methylsilane mixture in a methylchlorosilane selected from a group consisting of dimethylhydrochlorosilane and trimethylchlorosilane. The process comprises contacting a low-boiling methylsilane mixture, resulting from the contact of methyl chloride with silicon, with alumina under non-equilibrium conditions at a temperature greater than about 150.degree. C. The present inventors have discovered that the concentrations of dimethylhydrochlorosilane and trimethylchlorosilane reach maximum levels under non-equilibrium conditions occurring at a temperature greater than about 150.degree. C. The process is also useful for facilitating the removal of olefin and chlorocarbon organic contaminants from the low-boiling methylsilane mixture.

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