Because Cu Y Zeolite is acidic, it has the ability to exchange cations without disturbing the crystalline structure such as catalyzing the ethylation of benzene apart from its capability of acting as an oxidizing agent.
One of the important properties allowing zeolites to act as catalysts is their ability to exchange cations without disturbing the crystalline structure. Cu-Y zeolites have been shown to catalyze the ethylation of benzene due to their acidic properties. The zeolite can act as a catalyst, Brnsted acid, as well as an oxidizing agent. 
