Abstract: The invention relates to the asymmetric (transfer) hydrogenation of a prochiral keton, prochiral imine, oxime, oxime derivative, hydrazone or hydrazone derivative, using a transition metal catalyst, characterized in that as a catalyst is used a transition metal complex of the general formula [I]: MaL1bL2c(N)dXe wherein a, b, c, d and e are integers; a, b and d can have a value of 1-6; c and e can have a value of 0-6; M is transition metal selected from the group consisting of Ru1 Rh and Ir; L1 is an enantiomerically enriched chiral monodentate phosphor-containing ligand of the general formula [II] or of the general formula [III]; L2 is any monodentate or bidentate neutral or monoanionic ligand, which may be chiral; N is a compound containing at least one primary or secondary amine group; X is a anion.