Conversion of methanol on a high-silica zeolite with divalent cations

The influence of divalent cations introduced into a high-silica zeolite by an ion exchange on its acidity and catalytic properties has been studied. The nature of the divalent cations has an influence on the distribution of the acid sites according to their strength, as well as on the activity and selectivity of action of the zeolite in the conversion of methanol. The primary conversion products of methanol, viz., dimethyl ether and ethylene, form on the acid sites of moderate strength. The hydrogen-redistribution reactions take place predominantly on the strong acid sites.Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Éksperimental'naya Khimiya, Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 114–118, January–February, 1986.