This linear PEG derivative has a sulfhydryl group (-SH) on one chain end. The free thiol groups react readily with maleimido or iodacetamido functionalities or transition metal surfaces like gold, silver etc. Reaction with other free thiols leads to S-S disulfide bonds which can be cleaved by reducing agents. PEG thiols may also be conjugated by thiol-ene chemistry. The amine functional group at one end of the PEG linker molecule allows for selective and covalent attachment to other molecules with complementary functional groups, such as carboxylic acids or activated esters, aldehydes and epoxides. The newly formed bonds are amides, imines or secondary amines. Applicable for reversible or permanent crosslinking with PEG.