Process for making modified small-crystal mordenite, transalkylation process using same, and modified small-crystal mordenite

A catalyst suitable for the conversion of aromatic hydrocarbons comprising:

• a modified UZM-14 zeolite having a Modification Factor of 6 or more, wherein the modified UZM-14 zeolite comprises:
• a Si/Al2 ratio of 14 to 30;
• a total pore volume in a range of 0.5 to 1.0 cc/g;
• at least 5% of a total pore volume being mesopores having a diameter of 10 nm of less;
• a cumulative pore volume of micropores and mesopores having a diameter of 100 Å or less of 0.25 cc/g or more;
• and
• a Collidine IR Bronsted acid site distribution greater than or equal to an area of 3/mg for a peak in a range of 1575 to 1700 cm-1 after desorption at 150° C.;
• wherein the modified UZM-14 modified is made by steps:
• contacting a calcined UZM-14 zeolite with one or more of:
• nitric acid, or oxalic acid to form an acid washed UZM-14 zeolite;
• contacting the acid washed UZM-14 with one or more of:
• a sodium hydroxide solution, or a sodium bicarbonate solution to form a caustic washed UZM-14 zeolite;
• and
• ion exchanging the caustic washed zeolite to form the modified UZM-14 zeolite.