The anodic reaction occurring during the electrolysis of molten nitrates on graphite electrodes at temperature8 from 230 to 320°C has been studied. The overall reaction is 2N01-+ C = CO, + 2NOz + 2e. Current/voltage curves in the range 04-200 mA/cms fit a Tafel line with a slope ZRT/F. The decay of anodic overvoltage is logarithmic with time in a region beyond 10 ms, depending on the current density. The decay process indicates a high pseudo-capacitance, which decrease8 a8 the anodic overvoltage increaSeS. Results obtained from steady current/voltage curves, decay and build-up of the anodic overvoltage, and the temperature effect can be explained with the aid of known results on the kinetics of thermal oxidation of graphite and on the anodic reaction taking place on platinum electrodes. At high overvoltage a high degree of oxidation caused by the NO, intermediate is achieved, and the rate-determining step of the anodic reaction is then C(0) + NOs--+ NOa + CO2 + e. A stable residual cell formed after the interruption of electrolysis is discussed in terms of the reactions in the proposed reaction path. R&sum&Etude de la r&&ion anodique dans l'&ctrolyse sur &&rode de graphite des nitrates fondus, entre 230 et 320°C. La &action globale est 2NOll-+ C + CO1 + 2NOp + 2e. * Manuscript received 7 July 1965. 975 Reaktionen erkltit werden. Rei grossen uberspannungen wird ein hoher Oxydationsgrad der Elektroden erreicht, welcher durch das NO,-Zwfschenprodukt erzeugt wfrd; der geschwindigkeitsbestimmende Schrftt in der Anodenreaktion ist dann C(0) + NOI-+ NO2 + CO2 + e. Eine stabile Restspannungszelle, welche sich nach Abschalten des Elektrolysestroms ausbildet, wird mittels der fm vorgeschlagenen Reaktionsweg sich abspielenden Reaktionen erkllrt.