Acetylene has been oxidized anodically in aqueous solutions at 80°C on gold electrodes. It was found that the partial oxidation to was accompanied by a polymer formation. Effects of potential, acetylene partial pressure, pH, and temperature on the rate (current) were measured. A discontinuity in the Tafel curves was noted that indicated a change in the reaction mechanism with potential. The discontinuity was also pH dependent. A mechanism involving the discharge of and/or OH− has been proposed that is consistent with the experimental results.