The invention relates to a method for the selective isolation of valuable substances with the aid of compressed C2 to C4 hydrocarbons, such as for example ethane, propane, and/or butane, according to which a starting material is used, which contains the valuable substances in an absorbed and/or adsorbed form. Activated carbon, alumina, silicic acids, zeoliths or polysaccharides, which are charged accordingly with the valuable materials, are used as the starting materials for said method, which is carried out preferably in a continuous operation at temperatures of