Exocyclic Olefinic Maleimides: Synthesis and Application for Stable and Thiol‐Selective Bioconjugation

Michael addition reactions between biological thiols and endocyclic olefinic maleimides are extensively used for site‐specific bioconjugation. The resulting thio‐succinimidyl linkages, however, lack stability because of their susceptibility to thiol exchange. Reported herein is that in contrast to their endocyclic counterparts, exocyclic olefinic maleimides form highly stable thio‐Michael adducts which resist thiol exchange at physiological...