The separation of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with a poly(dlvlnylbenzene) column and dichloromethane mobile phase was found to be governed by both size-dependent and nonsize effects. The elution of nonplanar PAC substituted with alkyl, phenyl, or electron-withdrawing groups was governed by both effects but generally proceeded In order of decreasing molecular weight. On the other hand, planar PAC demonstrated a pronounced nonsize effect whose strength varied Inversely w|th Ionization potential. PAC separated Into two basic groups: planar and nonplanar. In addition, planar PAC eluted In three groups: (1) cataannelated PAC, (2) simple perlcondensed PAC, and (3) highly perlcondensed PAC.