The mixed nano spinet Co3O4 films were fabricated through electrochemical deposition followed by peroxide oxidation and heat treatment. Electrochemical characteristics of the deposition and textural as well as morphological characteristics of the films were analyzed. Both 400 plane for Co3O4 and the 200 plane for CoO were noted. Based on IR studies, hydroxides decomposed into oxides on annealing. Oxide films are having the stoichiometric atomic weight ratio, O:Co as 1:2.7. Chronopotentiometric and chronoamperometric transients were recorded for the anodic oxidation of methyl salicylate using cobalt oxide films. Based on the electrochemical kinetic data, oxidation mechanism scheme is proposed and the net oxidation rate depends on sluggish charge-transfer limitations. Salicylate di-ion to 1,2 benzoquinone is more favorable than 1,4 benzoquinone derivative with four-electron transfer, whereas methoxide to formaldehyde involves two-electron transfer. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.