Use of an aminooxy linker for the functionalization of oligodeoxyribonucleotides

We describe the preparation of oligonucleotides containing a 5′-linker bearing an aminooxy group. Use of the trityl protecting group for the aminooxy moiety allows purification of the modified oligonucleotide by reverse phase HPLC and cleavage in mild acidic conditions. Derivatization with an aldehydic reporter group is efficient and rapid.