The base catalyzed disproportionation of the disilanes Cl2MeSi-SiMeClR, ClM
eRSi-SiMeClR, MeR2Si-SiMeClR (R=(CH=CH2), NEt2) and Cl2PhSi-SiCl2Ph was inv
estigated. The formation of the observed mono- as well as oligosilanes with
up to five silicon atoms is discussed applying a mechanism via Lewis-base
stabilized silylenes and their subsequent insertion into Si-Cl bonds of ano
ther disilane or oligosilane molecule.