In one embodiment, a multidentate perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricant has the formula S.sub.e-S.sub.o-S.sub.i-S.sub.L-S.sub.i-S.sub.o-S.sub.e, where each S.sub.o includes at least one perfluoroethyl ether unit, S.sub.L is a linker segment, and each S.sub.e and S.sub.i include at least one functional group configured to attach to a surface. In another embodiment, a multi dentate PFPE lubricant has the formula S.sub.e-S.sub.o(a)-S.sub.i-S.sub.m-S.sub.i-S.sub.o(b)-S.sub.e, where each S.sub.o(a), S.sub.o(b), and S.sub.m include at least one perfluoroethyl ether unit with the proviso that S.sub.m has a different number of perfluoroethyl ether units than at least one of So.sub.(a) and S.sub.o(b), and each S.sub.e and S.sub.i include at least one functional group configured to attach to a surface.