A new system for CO₂ reduction to methanol has been demonstrated using homogeneous ruthenium catalysts with a range of amine auxiliaries. Modification of this amine has a profound effect on the yield and selectivity of the reaction. A TON of 8900 and TOF of 4500 h⁻¹ is achieved using a [RuCl₂(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂NHMe)₂] catalyst with a diisopropylamine auxiliary.