The one-pot synthesis of Ph3SiOH, 1Bu2Si (OH) 2,(Me3Si) 3CSi (OH) 3 and (Me3Si) 3CSiMe2OH directly from the corresponding bulky silicon hydrides using KMnO4 is described. The size of the substituents, the silane: KMnO4 stoichiometry, the solvent and the application of ultrasound were all shown to influence the rate of the reactions.