A composition and method for preparing molecular sieves having a STW framework structure are described wherein a structure directing agent comprising quaternary cation 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium is contacted with a source of an oxide of a first tetravalent element with or without a source of an oxide of another tetravalent elements and/or a source of a trivalent element in a molar ratio of tetravalent element:trivalent element 100:1 and greater.