The Direct Synthesis, or Rochow Synthesis, involves the reaction of methyl chloride, CH 3 Cl (MeCl), with Cu-Si contact masses (promoted with 1-2% of Zn, Sn, and P) to form methylchlorosilanes. Flow reactor studies (1 bar MeCl at 300°C) showed that contact masses promoted with Zn, Sn, and P (triply promoted) demonstrated the highest Si and MeCl conversion at early reaction times. In situ infrared spectroscopy suggested that in contrast to the doubly promoted catalysts (where CH 3 groups were primarily bound to Si), surface CH 3 showed appreciable binding to the copper component of the triply promoted contact mass. This change in surface composition ultimately led to a drop in reactivity and selectivity of the triply promoted catalyst.