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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( η- p-cymene)Cl] employing sodium formate as hydrogen source in neat water. A moderate to excellent conversion (~99.8 %) and overall satisfying enantioselectivity (~92.8 %) were obtained with varied electronic and steric effects of the substituents on ligands and substrates. Graphical Abstract: 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(η- p-cymene)Cl] employing formate sodium as hydrogen source in neat water. A moderate to excellent conversion (~99.8 %) and overall satisfying enantioselectivity (~92.8 %) were obtained with varied electronic and steric effects of the substituents on ligands and substrates.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]