The kinetics of the oxidation of alcohol by 12-tungstocobaltate(III) in alkaline medium as a function of oxidant, alcohol, OH-, ionic strength and temperature were studied spectrophotometrically at λmax 624nm under pseudo first order conditions. The kinetic study showed first order dependence on [CoIIIW12] , [Alcohol] and [OH-]. Ionic strength effect on the reaction showed that the charges on the ions at the rate determining step are opposite and the reaction between alcohols and 12-tungstocobaltate(III) in alkaline medium exhibits 1:1 stoichiometry. The oxidative products were identified by FTIR spectrocscopy. Salt effect was investigated by using NaNO3 and KCl. Michaelis-Menten plot showed the presence of an intermediate complex. Thermodynamic parameters were evaluated and a mechanism related to this reaction is proposed.