It is demonstrated that zeolite β and zeolite β containing catalysts can be dealuminated to very low acidity levels using a novel oxalic acid treatment without reducing zeolite integrity. The effect of the oxalic acid treatment has been studied over a wide range of treatment conditions for both silica-bound and unbound zeolite β catalysts. Greater than 90% dealumination is observed with a concomitant reduction in n-hexane-cracking activity as measured by the alpha (α) test. Removal of framework aluminum occurs via a two-step hydrolysis/chelation mechanism, with the oxalic acid acting both as an acid and as a chelating agent. Framework aluminum removal is accompanied by the formation of internal silanol groups. Water soluble aluminum oxalates are present in the extracted solutions. Silanol groups are annealed with extended oxalic acid treatment. Oxalic acid treatment results in a unique contraction of the zeolite β lattice structure not observed for mineral acid treated or steamed zeolite β catalysts.

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