Covalent interactions in zeolites: The influence of zeolite composition andstructure on acid softness and hardness

It is demonstrated that besides ionic interactions, covalent interactions can be important in zeolitic systems. Then, besides acid strength, the concept of acid softness-hardness in zeolites needs to be considered and its importance to explain selectivity effects in orbital controlled reactions is discussed. The influence of zeolite composition and pore structure (electronic confinement) on acid softness-hardness, and orbital control, and their effects on para/ortho selectivity during alkylation of toluene by methanol in large pore zeolites is presented.