Preparation of zeolites using novel structure directing agents

A method for preparing a zeolite having a CHA framework topology, comprising the steps of:

• (1) preparing an aqueous reaction mixture comprising:
• (a) at least one active source of an oxide of a tetravalent element,
• (b) at least one active source of an oxide of a trivalent element, a pentavalent element, a second tetravalent element which is different from the first tetravalent element, or a mixture thereof,
• (c) at least one active source of an element selected from Groups 1 and 2 of the Periodic Table,
• (d) water as a solvent,
• (e) seed crystals capable of forming the CHA zeolite, and
• (f) a structure directing agent in an amount sufficient to form crystals of the zeolite, wherein the structure directing agent is an N,N,N-trialkyl benzyl quaternary ammonium salt represented general structural formula:
• wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl groups, and A− is an anion which is not detrimental to the crystallization of the CHA zeolite;
• and
• (2) heating the reaction mixture under crystallization conditions for sufficient time to form crystals of the CHA zeolite.