The intermolecular hydroamination of 1,3-cyclohexadiene with aniline using zeolite catalysts was investigated. The reaction mechanism and the influence of amine basicity on the rate of reaction were Studied. Zeolite H-BEA was the most active catalyst, whereas the incorporation of Zn2+ (Zn/H-BEA) led to decreasing catalytic activity, indicating that the reaction is catalyzed by Bronsted acid sites. Subtle shape selective effects determine the reactivity and selectivity of the zeolites. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.