Polyphenylsilyne and branched copolysilanes have been prepared via red
uctive coupling of the corresponding organochlorosilanes with potassiu
m-graphite. Reaction of these polymers with trifluoromethanesulfonic a
cid lead to triflate substituted polymers. These compounds are modifie
d by following reactions with nucleophiles, LiAlH4, or C8K. The simple
syntheses allow variation of the properties of the preceramic polymer
s (molecular weights, solubility, content of carbon, functional groups
). The polymers are characterized by Si-29 NMR spectroscopy.