Inverse gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) was used to study asphalts evaluated in the Zaca-Wigmore Experimental Road Test. The retention behavior of a number of test compounds was determined on the asphalts both before and after oxidation within the GLC column. The retention behavior of the test compound phenol on the oxidized asphalts correlated with the performance of the asphalts in road service, and this was further supported by a similar correlation with accelerated weathering durability's of coating-grade asphalts. The phenol test compound retention data on the oxidized road asphalts were also found to relate to cause test compound retention behavior is related to chemical composition and molecular association forces of the asphalts, the correlation with performance affirms the importance of chemical composition to asphalt performance on the road.