The enantioselective hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate (EtPy) was studied on Pt-alumina catalysts modified by C3-substituted cinchonidines (NC, A, B, C1, C2 in Fig. 1) and for comparison by DHCD and MeO-DHCD in AcOH. The effect of the C3-substituent on the reaction rate and the enantioselectivity were examined. Using the Engelhard 4759 catalyst under mild experimental conditions ( room temperature, hydrogen pressure 1 bar) such as DHCD the (R)-ethyl lactate formed in excess (e. e. max: 79-91%).