A general and convenient method for synthesis of modified oligonucleotides by use of new non-nucleoside phosphoramidites is reported. A chiral 1,3-diol backbone of the modifying reagents is generated either from (R)-(+)-α-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone or (R)-(-)-pantolactone. Aliphatic amines were acylated with the lactones to give the corresponding N-substituted 2,4-dihydroxybutyramides. After protection of a side chain, if necessary, the diols were converted into phosphoramidites or solid supports suitable for use in oligonucleotide synthesis. The reagents allow single, multiple or combined introduction of various functions (e.g., alkylamine, imidazole and pyrene residues) into synthetic oligonucleotides. The structures of the conjugates were confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.