Preparation of molecular sieve SSZ-13

A molecular sieve having a composition, as synthesized and in the anhydrous state, comprising (1) a tetravalent oxide or mixture of tetravalent oxides, (2) optionally, a trivalent oxide or mixtures of trivalent oxides, and (3) benzyl trimethylammonium cation, wherein the as-synthesized SSZ-13 does not contain a 1-adamantammonium cation.

A method for preparing crystalline zeolite SSZ-13, said method comprising:

• a. preparing a reaction mixture comprising (1) at least one active source of an oxide of a tetravalent element or mixture of tetravalent elements, (2) optionally at least one active source of an oxide of a trivalent element or mixture of trivalent elements, (3) at least one active source of an alkali metal, (4) seed crystals capable of forming SSZ-13, (5) benzyl trimethylammonium cation in an amount sufficient to form crystals of zeolite SSZ-13, the benzyl trimethylammonium cation being used in the absence of a 1-adamantammonium cation and (6) an amount of water that is not substantially in excess of the amount required to cause and maintain crystallization of the SSZ-13;
• and
• b. heating said reaction mixture at crystallization conditions for sufficient time to form crystallized material containing crystals of said SSZ-13, wherein said reaction mixture during crystallization has a water to (1) molar ratio between about 1 and about 5.