Isopropanol and formic acid are predominantly utilized as hydrogen sources in catalytic transfer hydrogenation reactions. However, the utilization of primary alcohols in such reactions has been sparsely documented, with only a limited number of reports available. In this article, we hereby present findings that underscore the prospective application of ecologically sustainable and economically viable ethanol, alongside a ruthenium(II) catalyst that exhibits remarkable resilience in the presence of moisture and oxygen. The air-stable Ru(II) complex (I) has been synthesized by non-covalently interacting anionic Ru(p-cymene)Cl3 and 1,3-diisopropyl-1H-perimidin-2(3H)-iminium (LH2+). The compound was subjected to experimental evaluation to conduct transfer hydrogenation reactions on aldehydes, ketones, and nitroarenes. The process entailed the utilization of ethanol, a hydrogen source that is both economically advantageous and ecologically benign. The hydrogen bond interaction existing between the Ru(p-cymene)Cl3 and LH2+ species plays a crucial in facilitating the exceptional catalytic efficiency exhibited by the Ru(II) complex (I). The reaction exhibits a wide range of substrate compatibility, enabling the hydrogenation of ketones, aldehydes, and nitroarenes. The results obtained from the control experiments have provided evidence for the formation of Ru − H species. A plausible mechanism has been hypothesized, relying on stoichiometric investigations.