ZSM-48 zeolite samples with a series Of SiO2/Al2O3 ratios were synthesized in the hydrothermal system of Na2O-SiO2-Al2O3H2N(CH2)(6)NH2 (HDA). The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, N-2 adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, thermo-gravimetric analysis and chemical analysis. Both the OH-/SiO2 and SiO2/Al2O3 ratios played key roles for the formation of pure ZSM-48. C-4-olefin cracking reactions were carried out on these ZSM-48 zeolites to produce propylene. Compared with currently used HZSM-5 zeolite, HZSM-48 zeolite exhibits a more excellent selectivity for the aimed olefins, especially for those with lower SiO2/Al2O3 ratios. The difference of catalytic performance of HZSM-48 and HZSM-5 zeolites for the cracking Of C-4-olefin can be attributed to their different acidities. The influences of reaction temperature and liquid hour space velocity on the catalytic performance of the HZSM-48 catalysts were investigated. The reasons for the deactivation of HZSM-48 zeolite in C4-olefin cracking reactions were also studied. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.