A method for producing a target compound includes distributing a feed mixture containing ethane to multiple reaction tubes of a shell-and-tube reactor arranged in parallel, and subjecting to an oxidative catalytic conversion of the ethane in the reaction tubes. The catalytic reaction is carried out by means of catalysis zones with different activity arranged in series in the reaction tubes. One or more catalytically active materials and one or more catalytically inactive materials are provided in each of the catalysis zones. The different activity of the catalysis zones is effected by providing the one or more catalytically active materials having identical or essentially identical basic formulation, wherein the one or more catalytically active materials is or are prepared using different calcination intensities.