A simple and fast column chromatographic procedure for the separation of vacuum residues into saturates, mono-, di-, polyaromatics and polars has been standardized using silica-alumina-bauxite adsorbents and gradient elution with n-pentane, benzene, and methanol. The cut points have been monitored employing ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy. The method is applicable for preparative separation of short residues from processed products.