Abstract: The modified zeolite beta has a surface area based upon the crystalline structure of the zeolite beta of at least 600 m.sup.2 /g and a sodium content in the crystalline structure of the zeolite beta of less than 0.04 wt % Na.sub.2 O.A process for modifying an alkali metal containing zeolite beta synthesized by the hydrothermal digestion of a reaction mixture containing an organic templating agent. The as synthesized zeolite beta is treated with an ion exchange medium then calcined at a temperature within the range of 400.degree.-700.degree. C. for a period of two hours or longer. The calcined zeolite beta is again treated with an ion exchange medium to protonate additional active sites by exchanging alkali metal ions. The ion exchanged zeolite from this step is mixed with a binder to produce a mulled zeolite-binder mixture pelletized by extrusion.