Silica gel plates are widely used in thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for separating and analyzing chemical compounds. They serve as a stationary phase, allowing for the separation of mixtures based on polarity and interaction with the silica surface. These plates are essential in laboratories for identifying substances, monitoring reactions, and purifying compounds. They are commonly applied in pharmaceutical research to analyze drug components, in environmental testing to detect pollutants, and in food safety to identify contaminants. Silica gel plates are also used in forensic science for analyzing evidence and in biochemistry for studying biomolecules. Their ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and versatility make them a fundamental tool in analytical chemistry.