A compound having the formula CF.sub.3--CH(OH)--CH.sub.2--(L).sub.n--CH.sub.2--SH or a disulfide thereof. Each L is substituted or unsubstituted methylene, substituted or unsubstituted oxyalkylene, and alkyl-substituted or unsubstituted siloxanylene. The compound is free of carboxysilane linkages. The value of n is a positive integer. A metal surface having the group CF.sub.3--CH(OH)--CH.sub.2--(L).sub.n--CH.sub.2--S-- bound thereto. A method of making CF.sub.3--CH(OH)--CH.sub.2--(L).sub.n--CH.sub.2--SH by: reacting OHC--CH.sub.2--(L).sub.n--CH.sub.2--X with (trifluoromethyl)trialkylsilane to form CF.sub.3--CH(OH)--CH.sub.2--(L).sub.n--CH.sub.2--X; reacting the intermediate with a thiocarbonyl compound to form an adduct; and hydrolyzing the adduct followed by protonation. X is a halogen.