A method of producing a single-phase composition M_n+1A_zX_n, primarily the production of the single-phase material Ti₃SiC₂, where n lies within a range of 0.8-3.2, where z lies within a range of 0.8-1.2, where M is at least one metal taken from the group of metals Ti (titanium), Sc (scandium), V (vanadium), Cr (chromium), Zr (zirconium), Nb (niobium) and Ta (tantalum), where X is at least one of the non-metals C (carbon) and N nitrogen), and where A is at least one of the chemical elements Si (silicon), Al (aluminum) and Sn (tin) or a compound of those elements, such that the final, desired compound will include the components M_n+1A_zX_n. A powder mixture of the components is formed and is ignited under an inert atmosphere to prevent promotion of dissociation and to cause the components to react.