Non-polar compounds are eluted first in the column chromatography technique. The order of elution from a column typically follows the series: alkyl halides < saturated hydrocarbons < unsaturated hydrocarbons < ethers < esters < ketones < amines < alcohols < phenols< acids. Since adsorbents are polar, the more polar compounds are absorbed more strongly than non-polar compounds. The components are then able to be collected separately. Polymeric compounds and salts typically will not elute.