The hydrolysis of methyl bromide with neutral water is performed in the presence and absence of various amines in a batch reactor at different temperatures (50-125 degrees C). Screening of poly(4-vinylpyridine) as a potential reusable solid amine catalyst showed maximum efficiency. This significant enhancement in efficiency is due to the capture of HBr by solid PVP and remains phase-separated driving the reaction forward. The major advantage of this process is that the polymer can be easily regenerated and reused without loss of activity making it a very effective catalyst for the conversion of methyl halides to methanol and dimethyl ether. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.