Surface and catalytic properties of YrO(3) catalysts generated from different inorganic precursors were investigated by the reactions of pyridine and 2-propanol using IR-spectroscopy. Adsorption and reaction studies of pyridine on Y2O3 catalysts at different temperatures indicated that, Y2O3 exposes Bronsted acid, Lewis acid, and basic sites. The type and strength of these sites are controlled by the origin of the catalyst and pretreatment temperature. The qualitative and quantitative results of 2-propanol revealed that 2-propanol is irreversible adsorbed at 25 degrees C via different surface species. The type, concentration, and reactivity of these species are affected by the origin of the Y2O3 catalyst.