Asymmetric hydrogenation of alpha-keto Weinreb amides has been realized with [Ru((S)-Sunphos)(benzene)Cl]Cl as the catalyst and CeCl3 center dot 7H(2)O as the additive. A series of enantiopure alpha-hydroxy Weinreb amides (up to 97% ee) have been obtained. Catalytic amount of CeCl3 center dot 7H(2)O is essential for the high reactivity and enantioselectivity and the ratio of CeCl3 center dot 7H(2)O to [Ru((S)-Sunphos)(benzene)Cl]Cl plays an important role in the hydrogenation reaction.