A method for preparing a reaction product including an aryl-functional silane includes sequential steps (1) and (2). Step (1) is contacting, under silicon deposition conditions, (A) an ingredient including (I) a halosilane such as silicon tetrahalide and optionally (II) hydrogen (H2); and (B) a metal combination comprising copper (Cu) and at least one other metal, where the at least one other metal is selected from the group consisting of gold (Au), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), and silver (Ag); thereby forming a silicon alloy catalyst comprising Si, Cu and the at least one other metal. Step (2) is contacting the silicon alloy catalyst and (C) a reactant including an aryl halide under silicon etching conditions.