The present invention relates to a method of preventing modification of a synthetic
oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog during removal of at least one -cyanoethyl
protecting group from the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog. The method
involves contacting the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog with a basic
solution having at least one acrylonitrile scavenger, such as t-butylamine, at
a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient period of time to remove at least
one -cyanoethyl protecting group. The present invention also relates to
a method of producing a synthetic oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog.