The neutral complexes [Ru(CO)(dpa)(PR 3 )Cl 2 ] (R = Ph (1) or p-tol (2); dpa = 2,2 0 -dipyridylamine) were synthesized by the reaction of [Ru(CO)(dmf)(PR 3 ) 2 Cl 2 ] (dmf = N,N-dimethylformamide) and the dpa ligand, while the cationic carbonyl hydride complexes [Ru(CO) (N-N)(PPh 3 ) 2 (H)]Cl were synthesized by reaction of [Ru(CO)(PPh 3 ) 3 Cl(H)] and the appropriate N-N ligand [N-N = 2,2 0 -bipyridine = bipy (3), 2,2 0 -4,4 0 dimethylbipyridine = dmb (4) and 2,2 0 -dipyridylamine = dpa (5)]. The complexes were characterized by NMR ( 31 P, 1 H and HMBC 1 H-31 P), FTIR, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction. The molecular structure of [Ru(CO)(dpa)(PPh 3 ) Cl 2 ] (1) was determined by X-ray crystallography. The crystal packing is stabilized by strong (CH 3 )O-HÁÁÁCl and N-HÁÁÁOH(CH 3 ) hydrogen bonds between symmetry-related molecules leading to the formation of dimers. Complexes 1-6 were evaluated as pre-catalysts for the reduction of acetophenone under transfer-hydrogenation conditions using isopropanol as hydrogen source, and conversions up to 86 % in 4 h were achieved.