Macrocyclic modules comprising linked cyclic synthon units for use in the formation of selectively permeable membranes

Abstract

Certain macrocyclic modules comprising 3-24 synthons are provided herein. Each synthon is independently selected from cyclic substituents, wherein each synthon selected is bonded to the next through a linker to form a closed ring that defines a pore. One or more lipophilic moieties and one or more hydrophilic moieties are bonded to one or more of the synthons, resulting in the formation of the desired macrocyclic modules. Those modules may be subsequently linked to one another to form selectively-permeable membranes. Membranes comprising macrocyclic modules may be useful in filtering certain molecular species from a solution. Selective passage of particular species is determined, in part, by the size of the module's pore and the nature of the lipophilic/hydrophobic species attached thereto. Also provided are methods of making and using macrocyclic modules and membranes.