An instrument and associated method are disclosed for preparing samples for column chromatography. The method includes the steps of applying microwave energy to a sample composition containing at least one solvent to encourage a chemical reaction and generate desired products, thereafter mixing an absorbent media with the sample to absorb the solvent, the media being compatible with liquid chromatography that will separate the expected products, being chemically inert to the expected products, and being added in an amount sufficient to provide a substantially dry mixture of the media and the sample, but less than an amount that overly broadens the resolution of the sample during liquid chromatography, thereafter applying microwave energy to the dry mixture of the media and the sample to thereby encourage the solvent to evaporate under the influence of the microwave energy, and thereafter adding the dry mixture of the media and the remaining sample to a liquid chromatography column and separating the components of the remaining sample for identification and purification purposes.