Selective enrichment of Brønsted acid site in 8-membered ring channels of MOR zeolite to enhance the catalytic reactivity of dimethyl ether carbonylation

•The acid distribution in HMOR zeolite can be oriented-tailored.•The amount of B8-MR in HM-PN-2 is twice as much as the HM sample.•The reactivity of DME carbonylation can be largely enhanced over HM-PN-2.•Outstanding stability can be further realized over pyridine modified HMOR.