| abstract |
Compounds of formula (I), in which the groups R are hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl, n is from 2 to 4, X is alkylene, poly(ethoxy) or an aryl-containing group, Y is a valence bond or a divalent functional or heterocyclic group or a trivalent alkylene group, and Z is a sulphur-containing group which contains a thiol or disulphide group are useful to provide biocompatible treatments of metal surfaces, such as silver and gold surfaces. Processes for the preparation of the compounds, intermediates useful in such processes, articles having a metal surface treated with such compounds and processes of rendering metal surfaces biocompatible which comprise treating the metal surfaces with them. |