Here we describe the development and application of germanium and silicon linkage strategies for the solid-phase synthesis of aromatic compounds, as demonstrated for 1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives. The metal-aryl bond that attaches the benzodiazepine to the polymeric support may be cleaved by electrophilic reagents such as H(+) and Br(2) to provide the corresponding substituted derivatives. A number of compounds have been prepared in good overall yield for the eight- or nine-step process. This approach can also be applied to the solid-phase synthesis of libraries of other classes of aromatic compounds.