The expected elution order of organic classes.
alkanes alkenes ethers halogenated hydrocarbons aromatic hydrocarbons aldehydes and ketones esters alcohols amines carboxylic acids
increasing polarity (move more slowly)
Eluting power of organic solvents.
alkanes (hexanes, petroleum ether) toluene halogenated hydrocarbons (methylene chloride) diethyl ether ethyl acetate acetone alcohols acetic acid
increasing polarity (more powerful eluters)