6-Mercaptohexan-1-ol is a bifunctional linker that carries a terminal thiol and a primary alcohol separated by a six-carbon alkyl chain.
Its principal value lies in surface science: the thiol group chemisorbs to gold, silver or platinum to form hydroxyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). These SAMs are employed to block non-specific adsorption in biosensors, to space out DNA or protein probes on chip surfaces, and as primers for subsequent “click” or esterification reactions . In addition, 6-mercaptohexan-1-ol is used as a chain-transfer agent in the emulsion polymerisation of acrylic monomers, giving low-polydispersity latexes for pressure-sensitive adhesives. The product is also a building block for polyfunctional thiol monomers used in UV-curable inks and optical wave-guide resins.
Store under inert atmosphere at room temperature; the compound is air-sensitive and slowly oxidises to the cyclic disulfide. It is harmful if swallowed (rat oral LD₅₀ 560 mg kg⁻¹) and is irritating to skin and eyes; handle with gloves and local exhaust ventilation.
