Isomorphous substitution in zeolite frameworks: II. Catalytic properties of [B]ZSM-5

The catalytic activity of [B]ZSM-5 is examined for a number of acid-catalyzed reactions: n-hexane cracking, xylene isomerization, ethylbenzene dealkylation, cyclopropane isomerization, and hydrocarbon formation from methanol. In each case, it was determined that catalytic activity was due mainly, if not entirely, to trace amounts (80–580 ppm) of framework Al. The remarkable effectiveness of minute concentrations of framework Al in ZSM-5 zeolites has had little recognition until recently.