FIELD: organic chemistry, chemical technology. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to synthesis of amides and/or acids. Method is performed by addition of nitrile to the treatment zone as the first reagent and hydrating compound able to interact with nitrile and convert its to amide due to such hydration of nitrile and/or its conversion to acid as the second reagent. Nitrile is subjected for catalytic distillation in treatment zone in the presence of hydrating compound with hydration of at least part of nitrile to amide and/or formation of acid. Amide and/or acid is removed from treatment zone. The treatment zone is disposed into column or tower and includes at least one reaction zone and one zone of distillation. Catalytic reaction occurs of hydration of nitrile to amide and/or acid occurs in the reaction zone. Reaction zone comprises thickened layer of particles prepared of copper or based on copper disposed in tower section that act as catalyst of hydration reaction. In distillation zone disposed lower and/or above the catalyst layer distillation of products from reaction zone and/or unreacted reagents is performed. EFFECT: decreased economical and energetic consumptions. 14 cl, 1 dwg, 5 ex
