Copper-based catalysts are active in a wide range reactions of transformation of nitrogen oxides and represent an useful model system to better understand the fundamental aspects of the chemistry and mechanism of reaction of catalytic transformation of these pollutants. After an introduction on the reactivity of copper-based catalysts (supported and unsupported copper oxide, Cu-zeolites, cuprates and other copper compounds) in various reactions of conversion of nitrogen oxides, four main sub-topics are discussed in detail : (i) nature of copper species, (ii) chemisorption and surface transformations of NO, (iii) relationship between copper species and activity in the conversion of nitrogen oxides and (iv) mechanism of reduction of nitrogen oxides to N-2. Five reactions of transformation of nitrogen oxides are discussed in detail. (i) decomposition of NO, (ii) reduction of NO with ammonia in the presence or not of oxygen, (iii) reduction of NO with hydrocarbons in the presence of oxygen, (iv) reduction of NO with CO and (v) decomposition of N2O. The mechanism of reduction of nitrite and N2O by copper enzymes is also discussed, with a view to provide some useful insights on the chemistry of transformation. In this review particular attention is directed towards controversial points in the literature, underestimated questions, and hypothesis and theories which do not allow interpretation of all sets of experimental data. Discussion is also focused on the presence of multiple and competitive pathways of transformation, the relative roles of which depend on reaction conditions.