In this study undoped and Cr, Sb or Mo doped TiO2 were synthesized by polymeric precursor method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–VIS spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry (TG). The TG curves showed a continuous mass loss assigned to the hydroxyl elimination and Cr6+ reduction. Doped TiO2 samples showed a higher mass loss assigned to water and gas elimination at lower temperatures. In these doped materials a decrease in the anatase–rutile phase transition temperature was observed. After calcination at 1,000 °C, rutile was obtained as a single phase material without the presence of Cr6+.