Improved catalyst alkyl-on, alkyl-on catalyst and catalyst monitoring method making alkyl

Improved alkylation catalysts, alkylation methods, and methods of making alkylation catalysts are described. The invention comprises a method of making an alkylation catalyst, comprising : providing a (a) β-zeolite or (b) a crystalline zeolite structure comprising sodalite cages and supercages; and having a Si/Al molar ratio of 20 or less, andheating to a temperature in the range of 375 to 500 °C in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas (typically air) to convert the catalyst to the active form.