The 'bottom-up' synthesis of homogeneously doped metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with precision at the atomic/molecular level offers many advantages. We report here the synthesis, structural characterization and hydrolytic behavior of new N-methyldiethanolamine-modified precursors of Ti(iv), Nb(v) and Pb(ii) and their application as excellent sol-gel precursors for obtaining atomically dispersed Nb and Pb within TiO2 having high surface areas (253-355 m2 g-1) and tunable acidic properties. Preliminary results on the use of these doped TiO2 as water-tolerant catalysts in transforming dihydroxyacetone to lactic acid are presented.