In situ EPR investigation by using CO as probe molecules shows that even pre-reduced by H-2 at lower temperature results in SMSI for anatase titania supported palladium catalyst, but not for rutile titania supported palladium catalyst. The reason of the different behavior between rutile and anatase titania supported palladium catalyst is discussed. The very different catalytic properties between anatase and rutile titania supported palladium catalyst pre-reduced at lower temperature, and the rapid change of conversion and selectivity of titania supported palladium catalyst with the elevation of pre-reduction temperature further confirm the above-mentioned results. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.