TLC plates

TLC plates, or thin-layer chromatography plates, are flat, coated surfaces used in laboratories to separate different substances within a mixture. The plate typically has a thin layer of an absorbent material like silica or alumina. When a small sample is applied near the bottom and the plate is placed in a solvent, the solvent moves upward, carrying different components at different speeds based on their properties. This process allows scientists to analyze the composition of a mixture by visually comparing how far each component travels on the plate. TLC is a quick, effective method for identifying and assessing substances.