Decomposition of formic acid over V-Ti oxide catalyst in the absence and in the presence of water was studied by kinetic and in situ FTIR methods. CO and CO2 in a ratio of similar to 9/1 are the products of decomposition of formic acid. Surface bidentate and monodentate formate ions are the products of formic acid adsorption at 120-140 degrees C. Decrease in the rate of formic acid decomposition in the presence of water observed in the steady-state kinetic experiments is related with the competitive adsorption between H2O and formic acid and with the acceleration of the reverse reaction of formic acid formation from formates. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.