In this review the obtention process of glassy carbons with different pore distributions is described. The surface characteristics of the samples are determined in terms of their porosity and enemical surface groups. The former is studied by N₂ and CO₂ adsorption at 77 and 273 K respectively, mercury porosimetry. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and molecular probes adsorption. The latter is studied by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermal Programmed Desorption (TPD). Important differences are shown which are related to the method of preparation. The distribution of micropores is studied by means of the adsorption of organic molecules: benzene, cyclohexane, n-hexane, 2,2 DMB, methyl iodide and chloroform. The adsorption is studied from very low vapour concentration of adsorbate (Henry s low region) up to high relatives pressures (P/P_o = 1). The first is carried out under dynamic conditions and at high relative temperatures using Inverse Gas-Solid Chromatography and the second is measured in a conventional gravimetric system. In addition the kinetic of adsorption of these molecules is also studied. Using these data the textural characteristics of the samples are determined. In some of the samples the pore distribution is so narrow that they behave as molecular sieves in the whole range of vapour concentration used (from surface  coverage θ = 0 to θ = 1). The external surfaces of the samples are studied by SEM and important differences depending on the experimental conditions of preparation are shown. The modification of the surface and the porosity of the samples after oxygen plasma treatment is also studied by N₂ and CO₂ adsorption, mercury porosimetry, SEM, and adsorption of organic vapours at very low vapour concentration. The chemical surface groups of the original and of the plasma treated samples are studied by TPD and FTIR. Also the specific interactions with the polar molecules: CHC₃, CH₂Cl₂, ether, acetone, THF and benzene are studied and related to the characteristics of the samples. From analysis of all these data the following conclusions can be drawn: i) It is possible to obtain carbon materials with a tailored porosity using an appropriate formula of preparation and different conditions of carbonization of the organic polymers. ii) These materials can be obtained with a molecular sieve character in a very wide range of vapour pressures, i.e. from P/P_o → 0 to P/P_o = 1. iii) The adsorption at P/P_o → 0 of polar molecules is mainly controlled by the porosity, instead of by the chemical surface groups.