A series of novel tridentate ligands with nitrogen and oxygen donor sites was synthesized starting from enantiomerically pure (S)- and (R)-1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylamine, the preparation and resolution of which was developed. The new optically active ligands were tested as in situ catalysts together with Ru(PPh₃)₃Cl₂ in the enantioselective transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone with isopropanol. The secondary amine ligand (S)-2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylamino)methylphenol gave the best results with almost quantitative conversion and 47%ee.