Silica gel plates are widely used in thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for the separation and analysis of chemical compounds. They serve as a stationary phase, allowing researchers to identify and purify substances based on their polarity and interactions with the silica gel. These plates are particularly useful in organic chemistry for monitoring reaction progress, checking the purity of compounds, and isolating specific components from mixtures. In biochemistry, they are employed to separate amino acids, lipids, and other biomolecules. Additionally, silica gel plates are utilized in forensics for drug detection and in environmental testing to analyze pollutants. Their ease of use, affordability, and versatility make them a staple in laboratories for qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis.