Universal supports for oligonucleotide synthesis include a support material represented by the following formula: ##STR00001## In this formula, substituent A is selected from H, alkyl, aryl, or a polymeric or silica base material; substituent B is selected from acyl, aroyl, or a polymeric or silica base material; and substituent C is selected from a dimethoxytrityl group or a protecting group removable under acidic or neutral conditions. For the supports, one of substituents A or B constitutes the polymeric or silica base material. In use, an oligonucleotide is attached to the support at substituent C.