HOAc decomposition on Ni(111) is CH3COOH* → CH3COO* → CH3CO* → CH2CO* → CH2* → CH*. CH* is identified as the major carbon deposition precursor in HOAc decomposition. The enriched OH* is more preferred than O* to eliminate CH* species on Ni(111). Acetone is formed via CH3CO* + CH* → CH3COCH* → CH3COCH2* → CH3COCH3*. WGS is the RDS during the overall HOAc steam reforming on Ni(111).