We used ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to compare the activation of 2-propanol on the low index Co₃O₄ (111), (110) and (001) surfaces in dry conditions. The thermal and surface assisted decomposition of a film of 2-propanol to 2-propoxide on the B-termination of each surface was monitored and analyzed. The investigations suggest an activity order of Co₃O₄ (111) > (110) > (001). On all surfaces, the Co³⁺ serve as adsorption sites. On the B-terminated (111) surface, full dissociation of all 2-propanol molecules at the interface is observed, accompanied by a Mars-van Krevelen-type mechanism upon pre-hydroxylation of the surface. The active regions show Co³⁺–O_2-propoxide–Co²⁺ bridges where the coordinatively unsaturated Co²⁺ ions also participate in the adsorption and decomposition of 2-propanol. On the (110) surface, 2-propanol dissociation is driven by temperature, which activates the two-fold coordinatively unsaturated surface oxygens. The (001) surface on which almost no dissociation occurs is the least active. No formation of acetone is observed in the simulations conditions on all surfaces.