Macrocyclic NADH models with two (C2 symmetry) or four (D2 symmetry) nicotinamide units comprised in a ring have been prepared and found to reduce activated carbonyl compounds in good yields and high enantiomeric excess. The roles of magnesium ions as a cocatalyst and the temperature have also been investigated. The smaller, C2-symmetric macrocycle gave 96% ee upon reduction of ethyl benzoylformate whereas the best result with the ...