Ru complexes have been widely studied as catalysts for transfer hydrogenation reactions, where an organic H2 surrogate is used to bypass the hazards associated with using high pressures of H2 gas. Isopropanol has been touted as the ideal H2 source, as it is inexpensive, readily available, highly solubilising, has an appropriate boiling point, and generates acetone as a by-product. The Rucatalysed transfer hydrogenation of ketones is a powerful reaction to produce alcohols, and if a chiral catalyst is used this can be done in an asymmetric manner. The conversion of acetophenone into 1phenylethanol using isopropanol as the H2 source has been catalysed by a range of Ru-based catalysts, and in all but one case an alkali metal base is required as an additive for catalysis to occur. The only example of a Ru-catalyst for this reaction that does not require addition of a strong base is an isolated ruthenium hydride, and in this case adding a large excess of potassium tert-butoxide had no effect. The ability to catalyse this reaction without the requirement for harsh bases is highly desirable.