A rapid scanning spectrometer and classical electrochemical techniques have been combined in a spectroelectrochemical experiment using optically transparent electrodes to study electrode filming on the oxidation of 1,2‐diaminobenzene; alone and in the presence of Ni (II). Spectroelectrochemical studies of short‐lived redox intermediates and mechanisms of the oxidation at platinum electrodes are determined. Cyclic voltammetry showed the oxidation of 1,2‐diaminobenzene to be irreversible, and on successive scans without cleaning the electrode the peak current dropped significantly with each scan until ultimately no current flowed. This situation is indicative of an insulating film completely coating the electrode. This behavior was observed both with and without Ni(II) being present in solution. However, there were significant differences in the rate and nature of the filming. Spectroelectrochemically, it was observed that the nature of the film on 1,2‐diaminobenzene oxidation was independent of time and potential. A conducting film is initially formed, and on top of this a nonconducting film forms which eventually insulates the electrode. With Ni(II) present, the oxidation mechanism is potential dependent. At lower potentials a product containing nickel is formed which does not coat the electrode. At higher potentials the product was found to be the same insulating film which coated the electrode in the oxidation of 1,2‐diaminobenzene without the presence of Ni(II).