Carbon nanotubes were first prepared using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis. The reagents for the synthesis were sodium carbonate and magnesium with additives of a nickel- or iron-containing catalyst. The morphology of the nanotubes was similar to that of nanotubes obtained by means of the CVD method: straight multiwall nanotubes without noticeable traces of the catalyst, bent nanotubes filled with the catalyst over the entire length, and carbon nanofibers. The content of nanotubes was 2-4 wt %.