A photolabile linker for reversible introduction of ligands into oligonucleotides

A photolabile linker, 1-(o-nitrophenyl)-2-aminoethanol, was synthesized for the reversible introduction of various groups into synthetic oligonucleoti des. With this reagent, phenazinium and biotin dodecanucleotide derivatives were prepared. The biotin dodecanucleotide derivative containing a photola bile linker is degraded upon UV irradiation at 313-365 nm to release the no nmodified oligonucleotide. It also binds to avidin both immobilized and in solution. Upon UV-irradiation, it releases the starting oligonucleotide.