Libraries of synthetic receptors are disclosed. The receptors include a polyfunctional organic template which is covalently linked to two or more oligomers. The oligomers may be the same or different and may be straight chain, cyclic or branched. The template may be linked to an identifier which is unique to each synthetic receptor. Although the identifier may be directly attached to the template, it is more common and preferable that the template be covalently linked to a solid support which is itself linked to the identifier. Methods of preparing synthetic receptors and libraries of synthetic receptors are also disclosed as are methods for assaying the libraries to determine which receptors have various desirable characteristics. Among the desirable characteristics are (a) the ability to bind an acceptor molecule; (b) biological activity; (c) the ability to catalyze or inhibit a reaction and (d) potential utility for separating compounds in chromatography.