The kinetics of Y2Cu2O5 formation by the solid-state reaction between Y2O3 and CuO were followed by quantitative X-ray powder diffraction, the initial nucleation stages being probed by EPR spectroscopy. Analysis of fractional reaction versus time data showed a best fit to the mathematical model of Jander, with an activation energy of 58.2 kcal mol(-1). Preliminary comparative studies, employing different preparative routes; coprecipitation, accelerants and combustion synthesis are also reported.