The iodoacetamide derivative of stilbene (4-acetamido-4'-((iodoacetyl) amino)stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, disodium salt) is readily conjugated to thiols. The combination of high polarity and membrane impermeability makes this polysulfonated dye useful for determining whether thiol-containing proteins and polypeptide chains are exposed at the extracellular or cytoplsamic membrane surface. Stilbene protein adducts are charged and can be detected by gel or capillary electrophoresis.