Azido-PEG5-CH2CO2H is a PEG derivative containing an azide group with a terminal carboxylic acid. The hydrophilic PEG spacer increases solubility in aqueous media. The azide group can react with alkyne, BCN, DBCO via Click Chemistry to yield a stable triazole linkage. The terminal carboxylic acid can be reacted with primary amine groups in the presence of activators (e.g. EDC, or DCC) to form a stable amide bond.