The aim of this research report is to give an introduction to a specific solid state reaction applied in the field of alkali metal rich transition metal compounds. The approach is an explorative investigation of the oxidation of transition metals with CdO in the presence of alkali metal oxides and / or compounds with complex anions such as Na2SO4. Thereby, a range of unusual compounds have been obtained and structurally characterized. In particular, low valences and uncommon coordination numbers (C.N.) of the late 3d transition metals, as well as interesting varieties in the anionic part of the structures are accessible. The presented examples were selected mainly in order of their inherent aspects concerning the reactivity, structural features or electronic structures.