Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide a reduction of an aldehyde or a ketone, such as a Meerwein-Ponnorf-Verley (MPV) reaction of an aldehyde or ketone. In some embodiments, the reaction occurs in the presence of Al[OC(CH3)3]. In some embodiments, the reaction occurs in the presence of an aprotic solvent. In some embodiments, the aldehyde or ketone is an amino aldehyde or an amino ketone wherein the amine is group is protected such that the nitrogen of the amine has no proton. Other embodiments related to compositions and compounds related to the reduction reaction, or to the preparation or use of the aldehyde, the ketone, or the resulting alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a novel process for the preparation of Citalopram, a known antidepressant.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods that can be used to convert the intermmediate halomethyl ketones (HMKs), e.g., chloromethyl ketones, to the corresponding S,S- and R,S-diastereomers. More particularly, the present invention provides: (1) reduction methods; (2) inversion methods; and (3) methods involving the epoxidation of alkenes. Using the various methods of the present invention, the R,S-epoxide and the intermediary compounds can be prepared reliably, in high yields and in high purity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new process for the preparation of 2S,3S-N-isobutyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3-amino-4-phenylbutyl)-p-nitrobenzenesulfonylamide hydrochloride, wherein this compound is prepared directly from the chloromethylalcohol. Importantly, the process of the present invention results in higher yields of 2S,3S-N-isobutyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3-amino-4-phenylbutyl)-p-nitrobenzenesulfonylamide hydrochloride without sacrificing its purity. The processes of the present inventin can be used to prepare not only the 2S,3S-derivative, but also the 2R,3S-, 2S,2R- and the 2R,3R-derivatives.