PEG methyl ether thiol (mPEG-SH), Mp 2000
Thiol-functionalized polyethylene glycol
Product Description
PEG Methyl Ether Thiol (mPEG-SH) is a thiol (–SH)–functionalized polyethylene glycol designed for surface
modification, polymer functionalization, and bioconjugation research. The polymer consists of a hydrophilic PEG
backbone terminated with a reactive thiol end group, enabling site-specific chemical coupling and surface attachment.
The PEG backbone provides aqueous solubility and steric stabilization, while the terminal thiol group supports
covalent coupling through thiol-based chemistries, including thiol–ene and thiol–maleimide reactions. These
properties make mPEG-SH a commonly used building block for modifying metals, polymers, and biomolecules, as well as
for developing redox-responsive and crosslinked polymer systems.
Due to its combination of reactivity, solubility, and biocompatibility, mPEG-SH is utilized in materials science,
biomedical research, and sensor development.
Key Properties
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Polymer type: Polyethylene glycol, methyl ether thiol-terminated
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Functional group: Thiol (–SH)
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Backbone: PEG (hydrophilic, non-ionic)
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Reactivity: Compatible with thiol–ene and thiol–maleimide chemistries
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Solubility: Readily soluble in water and many polar organic solvents
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Stabilization: Provides steric stabilization and surface passivation
Typical Applications
PEG Methyl Ether Thiol (mPEG-SH) is commonly used in research and development applications requiring controlled
surface chemistry and polymer functionalization, including:
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Surface modification
Formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold, silver, and other metal surfaces to modify interfacial and
biointerface properties
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Bioconjugation and drug delivery research
Conjugation with maleimide-functionalized molecules for nanoparticle, polymer, and carrier surface modification
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Hydrogel crosslinking
Thiol-based crosslinking in hydrogel networks for controlled release and scaffold research
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Electrochemical and biosensor development
Surface passivation and antifouling modification in sensor and diagnostic research platforms
Synonyms / Acronyms
- mPEG-SH
- Thiol-terminated PEG
- PEG methyl ether thiol
FAQs
Common questions about PEG methyl ether thiol (mPEG-SH), Mp 2000.
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What is mPEG-SH used for?
mPEG-SH is commonly used for surface modification, polymer functionalization, and bioconjugation research
where a PEG chain with a reactive thiol end group is needed for site-specific coupling.
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What does “thiol-terminated PEG” mean?
It indicates the PEG chain has a terminal thiol (–SH) functional group. The thiol provides a reactive handle
for thiol-based coupling chemistries and surface attachment strategies.
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What reactions is mPEG-SH compatible with?
This material is commonly used in thiol-based chemistries, including thiol–ene and thiol–maleimide
reactions. Reaction suitability depends on the specific reagents and conditions used.
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Why is PEG used for surface passivation or antifouling studies?
PEG chains are widely studied for providing steric stabilization and reducing non-specific interactions at
interfaces. Outcomes depend on surface chemistry, PEG chain length, and experimental conditions.
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What does Mp 2000 indicate?
Mp refers to an approximate molecular weight (or molecular weight peak designation) around 2,000 for the PEG
chain. Actual distribution and characterization method can influence reported values.
