The anodic oxidation behaviour of pure aluminium (Al) in propylene carbonate was investigated using electrochemical measurements, microscopic observations, elemental and gravimetric analyses. The formation and growth of the oxide were observed on the surface of Al in the early stage of anodizing. Further anodic oxidation led to the breakdown of a part of the oxide film, resulting in simultaneous pitting corrosion because of the limitation of mass transfer in the oxide layer.