Zn Lewis Acid Sites in Zincosilicate CIT-6

Zincosilicate CIT-6 was characterized with probe-molecule IR spectroscopy. Two Lewis acid sites were identified and determined to interact strongly with pyridine and CD₃CN. Isomerization catalysis in aqueous glucose solutions proceeds through proton abstraction from alpha-carbonyl carbon, but the catalyst deactivates, accompanied by loss of Zn and change in site distribution.