Complexes RuCl 2(ArCN) 2(binap), II (binap = ( R)- or ( S)-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)- 1,1′-binaphthyl; ArCN = benzonitrile, a; 2-furancarbonitrile, b; pentafluorobenzonitrile, c) were prepared, and their solution properties were investigated by 31P NMR measurements. The catalytic activities and enantioselectivities for IIa–c catalysed hydrogenation of some prochiral acids were very similar to those provided by Ru 2Cl 4(binap) 2(NEt 3), I. In the hydrogenation of β-functionalized carbonyl compounds, however, IIa–c showed considerably lower activities and/or selectivities, compared with complex I. The differences in IIa–c catalysed reactions are discussed in relation to the coordinating abilities of ArCN in II.