In the light of some recent studies on organosilicon derivatives of HCI-leached chrysotile, pioneer works not cited in this area are chronologically and briefly commented on, emphasizing the infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) characterization of such chrysotile products. The latter have opened a far-reaching potential for the development of, e.g., highly stable hydrophobic or organophilic materials, including fibrous sheet polymers. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.