The electrochemical oxidation (or combustion) of organics with simultaneous oxygen evolution has been investigated using different electrode material (Pt, Ti/IrO2, Ti/SnO2). A simplified mechanism for the electrochemical oxidation or combustion of organics is presented according to which selective oxidation occurs with oxide anodes (MO(x)) forming the so-called higher oxide MO(x+1) and combustion occurs with electrodes at the surface of which (OH)-O-. radicals are accumulated. Detection of (OH)-O-. radicals formed by water discharge at different anodes using N,N-dimethyl-p-nitrosoaniline (RNO) as a spin trap and preparative electrolysis confirm the proposed mechanism.