A process for making methyl iodide is disclosed. In this process methane, and a source of oxygen are introduced into a molten salt, maintained at a temperature of at least about 500.degree. C., said molten salt comprising an iodide of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and mixtures thereof and a catalyst comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of a metal of Group IB and Group VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements with the proviso that said methane and said source of oxygen do not contact each other.