Probing the active catalytic sites of zeolites with benzyl chloride

Zeolites contain numerous catalytic sites. In order to conduct organic chemistry properly, it is necessary to know which site catalyzes the reaction. The conversion of benzyl chloride was tested as a probe reaction. Different products are obtained when the reaction is catalyzed by a Brønsted acidic site instead of a Lewis acidic site. Basic catalysis, water content and coke formation complicate the probe reaction.