A novel and efficient methodology for the C-C bond forming radical cyclization of hydrophobic substrates in water

The combination of water-soluble radical initiator 2,2' azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane] (VA-061), water soluble chain carrier 1-ethylpiperidine hypophosphite (EPHP), and surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was found to be the most suitable condition for effective radical cyclization in water for a variety of hydrophobic substrates.