Carbenes ring true: N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed reactions of α-bromo-α,β-unsaturated aldehydes/α,β- dibromoaldehydes with 1,3-dinucleophilic reagents, such as 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, β-enamino ketones, and β-enamino esters through umpolung processes gave functionalized 3,4-dihydropyranones and 3,4-dihydropyridinones (see scheme). The availability of the starting materials, lack of external oxidant, and usefulness of the products make this strategy attractive. © 2012 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.