A process for manufacturing (R)-propynylaminoindans, and alternatively, a process for manufacturing (S)-propynylaminoindans. The chiral propynylaminoindans include alkoxy or alkylcarbamates derivatives. The process comprises transfer or pressure hydrogenation in the presenc of an optically active catalyst to reduce 1-indanones. The chiral product, either (S)- or (R)-indanols undergo nucleophilic substitution to produce the named product. In an additional aspect, the invention relates to novel intermediates and compounds, namely, substituted indanones, substituted (S)-indanols and substituted (R)-indanols.