Four different Sn modified zeolites, namely three Beta zeolites with varying SiO2/Al2O3 ratio along with Sn-Y were synthesized, and characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, pyridine adsorption desorption, nitrogen adsorption, XPS and EXAFS. Kinetics in beta-pinene oxide isomerization into myrtanal was studied at 70 degrees C in toluene as a solvent with different catalysts. The initial isomerization rate increases with increasing acidity. Complete conversion of beta-pinene oxide was achieved with the three most acidic catalysts within 30 min, whereas only 72% conversion in 1440 min was obtained with the catalyst exhibiting the lowest acidity, Sn-Beta-300. The catalyst most selective to the formation of myrtanal was Sn-Beta-300 giving 64% selectivity at 72% conversion, which is related to low amounts of acid sites. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.