Long-alkane-chain modified N-phthaloyl chitosan membranes with controlled permeability

► Acylated chitosan was synthesized using N-phthaloyl chitosan as an intermediate. ► The solubility of acylated chitosan has been improved significantly. ► The hydrophobicity of acylated chitosan has been improved significantly. ► The permeability of acylated chitosan membranes could be tuned by adjusting DS.