Both steady state and time dependent current ‐voltage curves of the anodic oxidation of ethylene were studied at the electrode , (diss.), conditions for obtaining the Tafel slope, found to be approximately , were established. Ethylene partial pressure had no measurable effect on the steady state current‐voltage curve in the Tafel region. The Pt electrode was found to become “passivated” at about 0v (NHE). Time dependent studies showed that the electrode became continuously less active. Experiments were carried out in a closed cell arrangement, where ethylene consumed at the anode and coulombs passed could be measured simultaneously. Within experimental error, one mole of ethylene was found to involve the passage of twelve Faradays, showing that ethylene is totally oxidized. An analysis of the experimental data in terms of single electron transfer steps, limiting surface coverage and Tafel transfer coefficients of leads to the conclusion that the discharge most likely plays the dominant role in the rate determining step.