The MCM-41 and zeolite Y exchanged with Li+, Na+, K+ and Cs+ were used as catalyst for Diels-Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene (CPD) with p-benzoquinone (PBQ) and some derivatives to achieve higher reaction rate and diastereoselectivity. The 2:1 CPD-PBQ adducts; of endo-anti-endo and endo-anti-exo obtained, respectively, in the case of PBQ as the major product in the presencece of MCM-41 and CsY is remarkable. Semiempirical calculation by PM5 method was carried out to define the energetics of the system and Goering-Schewene diagram under the catalytic effect of BF3 and AlCl3 Lewis acids. It was found that even though the endo-anti-exo is thermodynamically more stable than endo-anti-endo in uncaytalyzed Diels-Alder reaction, the latter is the more stable isomer in the presence of Lewis acid catalyst. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.