Hydroxyl PEG thiol, Mp 5000 (OH-PEG-SH) is a heterobifunctional polyethylene glycol derivative bearing a hydroxyl (-OH) terminus and a thiol (-SH) terminus. The thiol provides a reactive site for gold-surface attachment and thiol-selective conjugation, while the hydroxyl terminus can be retained or derivatized separately.
Synonym: OH-PEG-SH.
The thiol terminus can chemisorb to gold through Au-S interactions, making OH-PEG-SH useful for introducing PEG chains onto gold substrates and particles. The thiol can also react with suitable thiol-selective electrophiles, including maleimides, under appropriate coupling conditions.
Peak molecular weight (Mp) is approximately 5,000 Da. Related molecular-weight grades include Hydroxyl PEG thiol, Mp 3000 and Hydroxyl PEG thiol, Mp 10000. Additional PEG materials are available through Polysciences' PEG hydrogels and PEGylation solutions.
Key Properties
- Heterobifunctional polyethylene glycol derivative
- Hydroxyl (-OH) functionality at one terminus
- Thiol (-SH) functionality at the opposite terminus
- Peak molecular weight (Mp): approximately 5,000 Da
- Thiol functionality supports attachment to gold and reaction with suitable thiol-selective groups
- Soluble in water, chloroform, DCM, DMF, and DMSO
- Appearance: white to slightly colored powder or wax
Applications
Gold Surface Functionalization
OH-PEG-SH can be used to introduce PEG chains onto gold substrates through interaction of the terminal thiol with the gold surface. The hydroxyl group remains at the distal terminus and can be retained or further derivatized according to the intended surface chemistry.
Gold Nanoparticle Modification
The terminal thiol can anchor OH-PEG-SH to gold nanoparticles and related gold nanostructures. Surface coverage depends on variables including PEG concentration, molecular weight, particle curvature, available surface area, incubation conditions, and competing surface-bound species.
Thiol-Selective Conjugation
The thiol terminus can react with appropriately functionalized reaction partners, including maleimide-containing molecules. Coupling efficiency depends on thiol accessibility, pH, stoichiometry, solvent composition, and the reactivity of the conjugation partner.
PEG Spacer Introduction
The PEG backbone provides a hydrophilic spacer between a thiol-reactive substrate or conjugation partner and the terminal hydroxyl group. Researchers requiring a shorter or longer PEG chain can compare OH-PEG-SH, Mp 3000 and OH-PEG-SH, Mp 10000.
Compatibility & Bonding Considerations
- Terminal thiol functionality supports attachment to gold surfaces through Au-S interactions
- The thiol can react with suitable maleimide-functionalized molecules under controlled coupling conditions
- The hydroxyl terminus can remain unmodified or be derivatized independently using compatible chemistry
- Soluble in water, chloroform, dichloromethane (DCM), dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Surface functionalization and conjugation efficiency depend on reagent concentration, pH, solvent composition, reaction time, thiol accessibility, surface condition, and the chemistry of the reaction partner. These variables should be controlled when comparing functionalization conditions.
Application Tips
- Select a solvent system that maintains solubility of OH-PEG-SH and the intended reaction partner or substrate
- Limit unnecessary exposure of the thiol terminus to oxidizing conditions before the intended coupling reaction
- For gold-surface modification, use clean substrates and maintain consistent PEG concentration, incubation time, and washing conditions
- For thiol-maleimide conjugation, control pH and stoichiometry according to the specific reaction partners
- Verify surface modification or conjugation using analytical methods appropriate for the experimental system
Handling & Storage
- Store at -20°C
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Store in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Use appropriate laboratory ventilation during handling
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
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FAQ
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1. What is Hydroxyl PEG thiol used for?
Hydroxyl PEG thiol is used in gold-surface functionalization, thiol-selective conjugation, and PEG surface-modification workflows. The thiol terminus provides the primary attachment or coupling site, while the hydroxyl terminus can remain unmodified or be derivatized separately.
2. What functional groups are present on OH-PEG-SH?
OH-PEG-SH contains a hydroxyl (-OH) group at one terminus and a thiol (-SH) group at the other. This heterobifunctional architecture provides chemically distinct sites for surface attachment and subsequent modification.
3. Can Hydroxyl PEG thiol be used with gold surfaces?
Yes. The terminal thiol can associate strongly with gold through Au-S interactions and is used to anchor PEG chains to gold substrates and particles. Surface coverage depends on PEG concentration, molecular weight, surface condition, incubation conditions, and available surface area.
4. What does Mp 5000 mean?
Mp refers to the peak molecular weight of the polymer molecular-weight distribution. For this grade, Mp is approximately 5,000 Da. Related grades include Mp 3000 and Mp 10000.
5. What sizes of Hydroxyl PEG thiol, Mp 5000 are available?
Hydroxyl PEG thiol, Mp 5000 is available in 100 mg, 500 mg, and 1 g sizes. For quantities beyond the listed package sizes, request a bulk quote.
Safety & Documentation
Store Hydroxyl PEG thiol, Mp 5000 at -20°C in a cool, well-ventilated location. Use appropriate laboratory ventilation, protective gloves, eye protection, and suitable protective clothing during handling. See the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling, storage, and safety information. Related molecular-weight grades include Hydroxyl PEG thiol, Mp 3000 and Hydroxyl PEG thiol, Mp 10000.
