A method for preparing a titanium on silica catalyst, in the form of formed particles such as macrospheres, achieves a controlled titanium distribution type, namely either uniform, eggshell, or intermediate, by selecting the particular titanium precursor depending on its reactivity with hydroxyl groups and by selecting the molar titanium:hydroxyl ratio. Selecting a titanium precursor with a low reactivity and/or adding sufficient titanium precursor to achieve a high molar titanium:hydroxyl ratio aids in forming a uniform distribution of titanium. On the other hand, selecting a titanium precursor with a high reactivity and/or adding only a little titanium precursor resulting in a low molar titanium:hydroxyl ratio aids in forming an eggshell distribution of titanium. Preferred titanium precursors for aiding in the formation of an eggshell distribution of titanium include n-propyl titanate and n-butyl titanate, and preferred titanium precursors for aiding in the formation of a uniform distribution of titanium include titanocene and titanium acetylacetonate. Such silica on titanium catalysts can be used to make epoxidation catalysts, oxidation catalysts, hydroxylation catalysts, and the preferred distribution type depends on the particular application.