The first successful example of the asymmetric hydrogenation of substituted a-keto ethers with Cinchona-modified Pt/Al2O3 is reported. In the absence of an additional base, kinetic resolution of the racemic starting material was observed with high diastereoselectivity and ee's up to 98% at conversions of < 50%. Addition of KOH gave a strong reaction acceleration but racemic product. Immobilization of OH- on solid ion exchangers resulted in the desired dynamic kinetic resolution, and ee's of > 80% were obtained at > 95% conversion. These effects are rationalized on the basis of a simple kinetic and structural model.