Method for preparing molecular sieves and molecular sieves obtained thereby are described. The method includes preparing a reaction mixture, comprising a structure directing agent, at least one source of at least one oxide of a tetravalent element, optionally, one or more sources of one or more oxides selected from the group consisting of oxides of trivalent elements, pentavalent elements, and mixtures thereof, optionally, at least one source of an element selected from Groups 1 and 2 of the Periodic Table; and optionally, hydroxide ions or fluoride ions, and maintaining the reaction mixture under conditions sufficient to form crystals of the molecular sieve. In the method, various imidazolium cations are used as the structure directing element.