Kinetic studies on the oxidation of 1-phenyl ethanol and its para-methyl, para-methoxy and para chloro derivatives have been carried out using phase transferred chromate as oxidant in pure organic solvents. The inorganic oxidant was transferred to the non polar media using the phase transfer catalyst, tetrabutyl phosphonium bromide (TB PB). The electronic effects of the substituents, effect of varying the temperature on the rate, as well as the effect of varying the dielectric constant of the medium on the rate have been investigated. The rate data fitted well with the Hammett equation.