2 -Graphical abstract Highlights -3 --Effect of ZSM-5 zeolite treatment with H3PO4 or KOH on its acidity and structure -Catalytic features linked with 1-butene oligomerization-cracking into propylene -Diffusion length of precursors controls catalytic deactivation by coke -Acid strength controls propylene selectivity and 1-butene conversion Abstract The effect of the basic (KOH) or acid (H 3 PO 4 ) treatment of the MFI (HZSM-5) zeolite has been studied comparing the structural and acidic features with the catalytic performance and deactivation of a set of unmodified and modified zeolites (SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 = 30-280, 0-3 wt% of K or P). The properties of the catalysts have been elucidated using XRD, 27 Al and 29 Si NMR, N 2 adsorption-desorption, and adsorption-TPD of tertbutylamine. The catalytic performance has been evaluated in the cracking of 1-butene by means of initial, 5 h on-stream activity and coke formation. Our results point to the fact that using zeolites with high SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 ratio or neutralizing the strongest acid sites with KOH or H 3 PO 4 increases propylene selectivity while decreases 1-butene conversion. The overall pathway of reaction involve propylene and other olefins as primary products that condensate in further steps to aromatics and ultimately to coke.This pathway can be controlled with less severe acidic features and by desilication with KOH or H 3 PO 4 (particularly with the former).