solvents for developing of TLC plates

1. The expected elution order of organic classes

alkanes
alkenes
ethers
halogenated hydrocarbons
aromatic hydrocarbons
aldehydes and ketones
esters
alcohols
amines
carboxylic acids

2. Eluting power of organic solvents

alkanes (hexanes, petroleum ether)
toluene
halogenated hydrocarbons (methylene chloride)
diethyl ether
ethyl acetate
acetone
alcohols
acetic acid

3. some useful combinations:

EtOAc in hexanes
MTBE in petroleum ether
EtOAc in benzene
MeOH in methylene chloride
acetone in methylene chloride