The single-phase ternary carbide of Ti2AlC1-x was combustion synthesized by using Ti, Al and C powders as the raw materials. The experimental results show that the molar ratio of reactant mixtures in the Ti-Al-C system plays an important role. If the stoichiometric ratio according to the crystal structure formula Ti2AlC is used, the main phase of combustion product is Ti3AlC2. On the other hand, using a carbon deficient composition, in comparing to the formula Ti2AlC, namely, Ti:Al:C=3:1.5:1 = 2:1:0.7, the singe-phase Ti2AlC1-x is obtained in the final combustion product. Moreover, it was found that a low combustion temperature is beneficial to the formation of Ti2AlC1-x. The above experimental phenomena could be explained reasonably through thermodynamic analysis.