The aluminated sepiolite, obtained by alkaline treatment with KAlO2, as well as the silver-exchanged aluminated sepiolite were tested in ethanol conversion. The reactions were performed at 280 degrees C and with 50 Torr of ethanol in He. After the alumination through KAlO2, ethanol dehydrogenation and ethanol dehydration resulted from the Lewis acidity. The dispersion of silver led to a bifunctional catalytic system and the overall catalytic activity and the selectivity towards the acetaldehyde production increased. As a result of the Prins reaction, a significant yield in butadiene was observed.