Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) is a laboratory technique used to separate and identify compounds in a mixture. It involves a stationary phase, usually a thin layer of adsorbent material like silica gel, spread on a flat surface, and a mobile phase, which is a solvent that moves through the stationary phase. As the solvent travels up the plate, different compounds in the mixture move at different rates, allowing for separation. After the solvent has moved a certain distance, the separated compounds can be visualized using various methods, such as UV light or chemical stains. TLC is widely used in chemistry, biology, and forensics for analyzing substances like drugs, dyes, and natural products.