The oxidation Of D-mannose is studied on platinum, gold and nickel in alkaline medium. The electro-reactivity of this compound and the rate determining step of the reactions were determined by cyclic voltammetry. Lead adatoms have important effect on the oxidation Of D-mannose on platinum electrode. Five folder of increase in current densities was observed after the addition of 10(-6) M Pb2+. Electrolyses carried out on upd-lead modified platinum, and gold electrodes show good conversion yields (75% and 80%, respectively) and reasonable selectivities towards mannonic acid. High amount of cleavage products were detected at the end of the electrolysis at nickel electrode. The reactivity-functional group relationship has been discussed considering the results of the electrolyses. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.