A novel electrocatalyst based on W-x(CO)(n) was synthesized from W(CO)(6) in xylene at 140 degrees C. Linear voltametry studies revealed significant catalytic activity for the material for the oxygen reduction reaction. Koutecky-Levich analysis of the voltametry data showed that the reaction follows first-order kinetics and the value of the Koutecky-Levich slope indicates a multielectron charge transfer during the oxygen reduction reaction. The value of the Tafel slope was -120 mV/decade from the mass transfer corrected Tafel plots. The charge-transfer coefficient and exchange current density were 0.66 and 8.4 x 10(-5) A/cm(2), respectively.