Synthesis and properties of oligodeoxynucleotides containing anthraquinone-derived building blocks with flexible linkers are described. Starting from the 1,4-, 1,5-, 1,8-and 2,6-dihydroxyanthraquinone isomers, the corresponding phosphoramidites were prepared and incorporated into oligonucleotides. The site of linker attachment was found to be of critical importance for hybrid stability. Whereas the 2,6-iso-