The influence of seven variables on the results of zeolite synthesis performed in presence of 1-methyl-1,4-tetramethylen-bis(N-methylpiperidinium)-dihydroxide as structure directing agent (SDA) was examined. The syntheses were planned according to a factorial design strategy and run by using a multiautoclave device. The produced data-set (experimental factors values and qualitative XRD responses for 72 syntheses) was explored by stepwise linear discriminant analysis (LDA): SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio was identified as the most influent synthesis variable, discriminating between a region rich in amorphous materials and a region where the formation of MFI zeolite is favoured. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.