Bronsted and Lewis acid sites in zeolites were characterized by using 2-quinolone as a probe, by means of ultraviolet and infrared absorption spectra, fluorescence decay lifetime, and ESR. The results showed clearer differences in. the acidity of zeolites compared to those determined by casing Hammett indicators. The species observed in the zeolites depended on the acidity, the cavity size, and the amount of 2-quinolone loaded.