1,3-Diketones were reduced to 1.3-diols by using RuCl[N-(tosyl)-1,2-(diphenylethylenediamine) (eta (6)-arene)] in the presence of formic acid and triethylamine. 1.3-Diols were obtained in good chemical yields and with high ee when symmetrical diketones were reduced. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.