This invention is directed to a fluorine-containing mordenite catalyst and use thereof in the manufacture of alkylbenzene (LAB) by alkylation of benzene with an olefin. The olefin may have from about 10 to 14 carbons. The fluorine-containing mordenite is prepared typically by treatment with an aqueous hydrogen fluoride solution. The benzene alkylation may be conducted using reactive distillation. This invention is also directed to a process for production of LAB having a high 2-phenyl isomer content by use of the fluorine-containing mordenite in conjunction with a conventional solid LAB alkylation catalyst. The two catalysts may be used in a mixed catalyst bed or may be packed in series, with the relative proportions being adjusted to provide a desired 2-phenyl isomer content of in the final product.