The invention relates to a new class of ruthenium (II) complexes containing as ligands 2-(aminomethyl)pyridines and phosphines, proven to be extremely active catalysts in the reduction of ketones to alcohols via hydrogen transfer. By using 2-propanol as the hydrogen source with the ruthenium complexes, high yields of the corresponding alcohol can be rapidly obtained starting from linear and cyclic alkyl aryl, dialkyl and diaryl ketones. The conversion of ketones to alcohols can reach 100% if operating in a gaseous hydrogen atmosphere (2-3 atm). Where the phosphines used are optically active, starting from prochiral ketone compounds various types of optically active alcohols can be produced, being important intermediates in the pharmaceutical industry, in the agrochemical industry and for fine chemicals generally.