Nanocrystalline TiC was synthesized through a new reduction-carburization route by using metallic Na as the reductant, and tetrachlorotitanium (TiCl4) and carbon as Ti and C sources at 650 degrees C. The present route allowed for the formation of nanocrystalline TIC with fine particle sizes, narrow size distribution (8-12 nm). A possible formation mechanism for nanocrystalline TiC was proposed.