A method for synthesizing a polynucleotide is disclosed. The method comprises providing a functionalized support comprising a triaryl methyl linker bound to the solid support through a substitution on one of the aryl groups, a nucleotide chain bound to the central methyl carbon of the triaryl methyl group and a nucleoside with a reactive site hydroxyl. The method further provides contacting that functionalized support with a precursor having a hydroxyl protecting group and a phosphorous derivative reactive group to produce internucleotide linkage. The resulting compound is then treated to both remove the hydroxyl protecting group on the precursor, and to oxidize the internucleotide bond.