Used in surface chemistry and nanotechnology, particularly in the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold surfaces. Its thiol group binds strongly to gold, while the hydroxyl-terminated alkyl chain provides a hydrophilic surface that can be further functionalized. Commonly employed in biosensors and biochips to immobilize biomolecules such as DNA, proteins, and enzymes. Also used to prevent non-specific binding in diagnostic assays due to its resistance to protein adsorption. Plays a role in molecular electronics as a linker molecule for creating conductive junctions between biomolecules and electrodes.