A process is provided for preparing organofunctional silanes, inclusive of
dimers and oligomers, in which individual silanes possess both free and
blocked mercaptan functionality or particular mixtures of the
organofunctional silanes possess both free and blocked mercaptan
functionality. The organofunctional silanes and silane mixtures are
useful, inter alia, as coupling agents for elastomeric compositions,
e.g., rubber formulations employed in the manufacture of tires, where
they exhibit a desirable balance of low scorch and good performance
properties.