Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the separation and identification of components contained in hydrocarbon mixtures, such as paraffins, olefins, napthenes and/or aromatics, by liquid chromatography by use of a chromatographic column packed with a microparticulate material having a pore size of less than about 500 .ANG. and possessing aromaticity, preferably polystyrene/divinyl benzene having a pore size of less than about 100 .ANG., the microparticulate material being slurry packed in a solvent medium. The hydrocarbon mixture is passed through the packed column using a mobile phase comprising a solvent having a solvent strength parameter, .epsilon..degree., of less than about 0.1 such as a C.sub.5 to C.sub.8 alkane; and the paraffins, olefins, napthenes, and/or aromatics are separately eluted and identified.