A number of tin(H) complexes, prepared in situ from tin(II) triflate and pyridine derivatives (2,2':6,2"-terpyridine, 1, 10-phenanthroline, 2,2'bipyridine, dipyridylmethane, 2-(thiophen-2-yl)pyridine and 2-(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline), have been used as chiral catalysts for the reduction of acetophenone in the presence of polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS). Yields up to 82% and enantioselectivities up to 19% have been obtained. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.