This method is for separating hydrocarbons from catalyst samples by extraction with a volatile solvent. This extraction is used to obtain a hydrocarbon and water free catalyst sample for carbon determination by UOP Method 703, “Carbon on Catalysts by Induction Furnace Combustion and Infrared Detection.” It can also be used to determine the non-volatile hydrocarbon content of the sample, or to provide an extract for subsequent analysis. The use of an automated system is described in the Appendix.