In the removal of pure aromatics from aromatic-containing hydrocarbon mixtures by liquid-phase extraction or extractive distillation using a selective solvent, the specific cost of separation can be reduced at the same yield of aromatics or the yield of aromatics can be increased at the same specific cost of separation if the liquid-phase extraction or the extractive distillation is carried out in the presence of a reactive solid. At the same time, substantially aromatic-free raffinates are obtained.