A catalyst comprising a plurality of catalyst gauzes that are arranged in series is provided. Each catalyst gauze is made of a first noble-metal-containing wire and a second noble-metal-containing wire which is embedded in the catalyst gauze and which gives the catalyst gauze a preferential direction. The catalyst gauzes according to the invention are arranged in series such that the angles between the preferential directions of neighboring catalyst gauzes ranges from 0° to 180°. The catalyst ensures a product yield that is reproducible over time and has a long service life.