The Na-MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieve, Na-ZSM-5 and Na-Beta zeolites have been modified by Cs- and H- using ion-exchange method and characterized by XRD, SEM and nitrogen adsorption. The conversion of methanol was studied over H- and Cs- modified ZSM-5, Beta zeolites and MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieve. Methanol was in C-11-radioisotope labeled form in-order to follow its conversion during the catalytic process, since the radioactivity method provides a very sensitive detection possibility to investigate the conversion of small amounts of methanol and some intermediates at different reaction times and temperatures. The understanding of reaction mechanism is important for side-chain methylation over Cs-zeolite catalysts by methanol, as they are more selective than other alkali exchanged zeolites (Li, Na and K). The reaction pathway of the transformation of methanol to hydrocarbons and aldehydes has been elaborated. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.