Abstract The synthesis, characterization, crystal structures and catalytic activity of four new 1,3-bis(aryl)triazenide(p-cymene)ruthenium(II) complexesbearing methoxycarbonyl (5), hydroxymethyl (6), acetylphenyl (7) in the ortho position, and methyl in the para position (8) of the bis(aryl)triazenide ligand are reported. These complexes were used as catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation reactions