Triethylsilyl- and triphenylsilyl-chitins were synthesized from beta-chitin in addition to trimethylsilyl-chitin, and the resulting three kinds of silylated chitins were evaluated in terms of solubility, stability, and reactivity as precursors for chemical modifications. Triethylsilylation was effected under appropriate conditions though less facilely than trimethylsilylation. Triphenylsilylation was sluggish, and full substitution appeared to be difficult. The silylated products were soluble in organic solvents unlike the starting chitin. Of the three derivatives, trimethylsilyl-chitin was the most soluble and reactive, but the least stable. Triethylsilyl-chitin would be a convenient intermediate for modifications because of the considerable reactivity and stability, and triphenylsilyl-chitin may be a useful protected derivative.