The present invention relates to a composition having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein each of A, B, C, X, Y, and Z is independently O, NH, N(CH.sub.2).sub.m CH.sub.3 ], N(C.dbd.O) (CH.sub.2).sub.m CH.sub.3 ], CH.sub.2, S, or Se; each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 is independently phenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, naphthyl, thiophenyl, (C.dbd.O) (CH.sub.2).sub.p CH.sub.3, NH(C.dbd.O) (CH.sub.2).sub.p CH.sub.3 ], OH, COOH, NH.sub.2, or SH; and m, n, and p are integers between 0 and 5. The composition is a chiral receptor molecule useful for the purification of enantiomers of derivatives of amino acids and of compounds able to form hydrogen bonds. The preparation of the composition involves coupling a trifunctional aromatic molecule with three protected chiral molecules at the three aromatic groups, cleaving protecting groups, and joining adjacent chiral groups by multiple lactamizations. The receptor may be used in a form either bound to a solid support or dissolved in an immiscible phase to effect convenient purification of enantiomers or other compounds of interest.