Silica gel plates are widely used in thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for separating and analyzing chemical compounds. They serve as a stationary phase, allowing the separation of mixtures based on their polarity and interaction with the silica surface. These plates are essential in laboratories for identifying substances, monitoring chemical reactions, and ensuring the purity of compounds. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are used for drug testing and quality control. Additionally, they play a role in forensic science for analyzing evidence and in environmental studies for detecting pollutants. Their ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and versatility make them a staple in analytical chemistry.