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.