Control of Electrodynamic Tether Vibrations in Space

First, we simulate the behaviour of a satellite tethered with a continuous electrodynamic cable moving on a circular orbit. Second we extinguish for a simple discrete model small angle librations by controlling the current in the tether. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Taming of Furfurylidenes by Chiral Bismuth-Rhodium Paddlewheel Catalysts. Preparation and Functionalization of Optically Active 1,1-Disubstituted (Trifluoromethyl)cyclopropanes

Although 2-furyl-carbenes (furfurylidenes) are prone to instantaneous electrocyclic ring opening, chiral [BiRh]-paddlewheel complexes empowered by London dispersion allow (trifluoromethyl)furfurylidene metal complexes to be generated from a bench-stable triftosylhydrazone precursor. These reactive intermediates engage in asymmetric [2+1] cycloadditions and hence open entry into valuable trifluoromethylated cyclopropane or -cyclopropene derivatives in optically active form, which are important building blocks for medicinal chemistry but difficult to make otherwise.