Copper containing bismuth titanates with pyrochlore type structure were obtained by ceramic procedure over a wide range of compositions. The results of measurement of pycnometric density of the pyrochlores and of X-ray powder diffraction structure refinement point to the preference for copper atoms to occupy the Bi3+-sites. TGA study of a series of synthesized compounds indicates a reversible reduction of the copper (2) to copper (1). The NEXAFS Cu2p spectra of bismuth copper titanate pyrochlores point to copper being mainly in the oxidation state +2 in these solid solutions. Electric properties were studied for single phase pyrochlores based on bismuth titanates. The results of investigations show the presence of oxygen ionic conductivity in these samples. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.