Thiol-PEG3-t-butyl ester is a PEG linker containing a thiol group and a t-butyl ester. The hydrophilic PEG spacer increases solubility in aqueous media. The thiol group reacts with maleimide, OPSS, vinylsulfone and transition metal surfaces including gold, silver, etc. The t-butyl protected carboxyl group can be deprotected under acidic conditions.
