Adsorption of model organic compounds from solutions in n-heptane, acetonitrile and an acetonitrile–water mixture (40/60 v/v) on the surface of new types of mesoporous carbon sorbents has been studied applying liquid chromatographic and static adsorption measurements. The values of specific retention volumes, absolute retention volumes, capacity factors and Henry constants of organic compounds on the surface of carbon sorbents have been determined. The influence of both the sorbent surface chemistry and the nature of the surrounding liquid on the adsorption and retention of organic compounds has been elucidated. The differences in the adsorption of probes on the carbon sorbent surface and on the hydroxylated silica surface is discussed.