Alkanethiols of formula (1) and the enantiomers of the alkanethiol of formula (1):

and disulfides of formula (3) and the enantiomers of the disulfide of formula (3):

where -T is a moiety of formula (2) ##STR1##

R¹ and R² are each individually selected from the group consisting of H and OH; a is 0 to 3; b is 0 to 3; and indicates that the chirality of the carbon atom to which it is attached is either R or S; may form inert surfaces that prevent the unwanted adsorption of proteins and cells.