High meso-surface area and high acid site density pentasil zeolite for use in xylene conversion

A process for the production of para-xylene is presented. The process includes the isomerization of C8 aromatics to para-xylene utilizing a new catalyst. The new catalyst and designated as UZM-54 is represented by the empirical composition in the as synthesized and anhydrous basis expressed by the empirical formula of : [in-line-formulae]Mmn+R1 r1p1+R2 r2p2+Al1-xExSiyOz [/in-line-formulae] where M is an alkali, alkaline earth, or rare earth metal such as sodium and/or potassium, R1 and R2 are organoammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium, iron, boron, or indium. UZM-54 are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns, high meso surface area, low Si/Al ratios.