The transition metal-induced in situ generation of carbene complexes from alkynes having a carbonyl or imino group as a nucleophilic functionality has been investigated. These reactive carbenoid species are generated with high atom efficiency through a 6-endo-dig cyclization mode based on the electrocyclization of vinylidene complexes or a 5-exo-dig cyclization mode in pi-alkyne complexes and have been found to serve as versatile intermediates in catalytic carbene transfer reactions.