A number of N6-phenyladenosines with various substitutions on the phenyl ring have been synthesized and tested for their affinities toward brain A1 and A2 adenosine receptors. Compounds with meta substituents, such as (m-hydroxy- and m-iodophenyl)adenosine, were found to have high A1 selectivity. Meta substitution caused a selective decrease in the affinity of these compounds for A2 receptors. The results suggest that, in contrast to what is commonly held, certain N6-substituents have pronounced effects on affinity for brain A2 adenosine receptors. Thus, brain A2 receptors may have a well-defined region that recognizes N6-substitutions.