[R] + [AlO4] -(R = lutidine, NBu4) and [L-AlO3] (L = pyridine, THF) sites starting from AlCl3 and its coordination compounds in THF. The method was improved by using longer hybrid silyl chlorides (ClMe2Si(CH2)nSiMe2Cl where n = 1-3) for the final crosslinking. This resulted in increased average pore sizes and better diffusion properties, leading to superior activities in Lewis acid catalysis.