To improve the stability of the modified mordenite for resolving catalyst deactivation problem in the linear alkylbenzene (LAB) synthesis, the desilication treatment was found to be more effective than other approaches such as dealumination or metal/zeolite. The improved stability of the desilicated mordenite can be attributed to the enhanced diffusivity of oligomer by-products and coke precursors due to the enlarged mesopore size of the mordenite. In addition, 2-phenyl LAB isomer selectivity can be tuned by modification of the microporous structure of mordenite. The desilicated mordenite showed unprecedented stability and the 2-pheny LAB isomer yield up to 78% even if the octadiene-containing dodecene feed was used. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.