The kinetics of the forward and backward processes of the reaction N03' + 2Br~+ 3H+ -Br2 + HN02 + H20 have been studied. The overall process is a true dynamic equilibrium. The same equilibrium position can be reached from either side and can be shifted by changing any of the species involved. The equilibrium constant was found to be AT, = (1.6 ± 0.3) X 10"1 23456 M'4. The oxidation of bromide by moderately concentrated nitric acid in batch is autocatalytic, nitrous acid being the catalyst. The influence of initial concentration of nitric acid, bromide, and nitrous acid was determined. In a continuously stirred tank reactor the reaction exhibits bistability. The reaction between bromine and nitrous acid has regular kinetics. A seven-step mechanism with intermediates NO, N02, BrN02, BrNO, and HOBr is proposed, which accounts for the stoichiometry, equilibrium nature, and kinetic behavior of the reaction. The agreement between experiments and calculations is generally satisfactory and in some cases excellent.