Several Rh and Pt catalysts where V,O, is used as support or a promoter have been characterized by H, chemisorption, benzene hydrogenation and reactions of n-butane. The chemisorption and activity effects of different degrees of metal-oxide interaction induced by low-and high-temperature reduction are compared with those observed with similar catalysts where TiO, was the support (promoter). The nature of the metal-oxide interaction and how it differs for the same metal interacting with V,O, and TiO, are discussed.