Under pseudo-first order conditions, the monomeric species of Cr(VI) was found to be kinetically active in the absence of phenanthroline (phen) whereas in the phen-promoted path, the Cr(VI)-phen complex undergoes a nucleophilic attack by etane-1,2-diol to form a ternary complex which subsequently experience a redox decomposition leading to hydroxy ethanal and Cr(III)-phen complex. The effect of the cationic surfactant (CPC), anionic surfactant (SDS) and neutral surfactant (TX-100) on the unpromoted and phen-promoted path have been studied. Micellar effects have been explained by considering the preferential partitioning of reactants between the micellar and aqueous phase. Combination of TX-100 and phenanthroline will be the ideal for chromic acid oxidation of ethane-1,2-diol in aqueous media.