AbstractThe synthesis of adamantane from tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene on zeolites with different framework structures was studied. The adamantane yield on HY zeolites is higher than on HM and HZSM‐5 zeolites. Among various types of dealuminated HY zeolites the HEY and HUSY zeolites give higher adamantane yields than conventional HY zeolite. The changes in activity and selectivity of the main and side reactions are correlated with the acidity and the pore structure of the zeolites. To ion‐exchange the HY and HUSY zeolites with Ni2+and La3+cations may further improve the activity and selectivity of the zeolite cataly