In this report, a new series of C2-symmetric bis(sulfonyl) tetraaza ligands were synthesized from (1S,2S)-1,2-diarylethylenediamine analogues and tested in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of aromatic ketones by complexing with [Ru(eta (6)-p-cymene)Cl-2](2) employing sodium formate as hydrogen source in neat water. A moderate to excellent conversion (similar to 99.8 %) and overall satisfying enantioselectivity (similar to 92.8 %) were obtained with varied electronic and steric effects of the substituents on ligands and substrates. A new series of C2-symmetric bis(sulfonyl) tetraaza ligands was synthesized from (1S,2S)-1,2-diarylethylenediamine analogues and tested in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones by complexing with [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)Cl-2](2) employing formate sodium as hydrogen source in neat water. A moderate to excellent conversion (similar to 99.8 %) and overall satisfying enantioselectivity (similar to 92.8 %) were obtained with varied electronic and steric effects of the substituents on ligands and substrates.