INTRODUCTIONThin layer chromatography, or TLC, is a method for analyzing mixtures by separating the compounds in the mixture. TLC can be used to help determine the number of components in a mixture, the identity of compounds, and the purity of a compound. By observing the appearance of a product or the disappearance of a reactant, it can also be used to monitor the progress of a reaction. TLC is a sensitive technique - microgram (0.000001 g) quantities can be analyzed by TLC - and it takes little time for an analysis (about 5-10 minutes). TLC is highly sensitive and can resolve up to microgram quantities (0.000001 g). It is efficient in analysis of compounds and can analyze a given compound for at least about 5-10 minutes.The success of thin layer chromatography as a highly efficient micro analytical separation method is based on a large number of advantageous properties; a) high sample output in a short time, b) suitable for screening tests c) after separation the analytical information can be stored for future TLC references d) separated substances can be subjected to subsequent analytical procedures (e.g. IR, MS) at a later date and e) rapid and cost-efficient optimization of the separation due to easy change of mobile and stationary phaseThe major steps of TLC include a) sample preparation, b) sample application, c) development of a chromatogram using separation techniques and d) evaluation in TLC visualization of separated substances with qualitative and quantitative determinations.Analgesics areAn analgesic (colloquially known as painkillers) is any member of the diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain. Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous system; they include paracetamol (acetaminophen), the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates, narcotic drugs such as morphine, synthetic drugs with narcotic properties such as tramadol, and various others.LycopeneLycopene a carotenoid (a family of natural pigments) in the same family as beta-carotene is what gives tomatoes their red color. It is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to neutralize free radicals, especially those derived from oxygen, thereby conferring protection against prostate cancer, breast cancer, atherosclerosis, and associated coronary artery disease.Lycopene is a phytochemical derived only from plants and microorganisms but has biological activity in animals. It is an acyclic isomer of beta-carotene. This highly unsaturated hydrocarbon contains 11 conjugated and 2 unconjugated double bonds, making it longer than any other carotenoid. As a polyene, it undergoes cis-trans isomerization induced by light, thermal energy, and chemical reactions.

CONCLUSIONThin layer chromatography evaluates compounds from their Rf values which depend on the compounds polarity resulting to its affinity either to the stationary phase or the mobile phase. The least polar analgesic travel the farthest and had the highest Rf value since it experience the least attraction to the polar silica gel chromatography plate. Conversely, the most polar analgesic experienced strongest affinity to the chromatography plate resulting to its least Rf value.In comparison to standard Rf values, the performed Thin Layer Chromatography was successful to support the identity of analyzed analgesics and the unknown compound. The lycopene was also successfully isolated from tomato paste through solvent-solvent extraction and thin layer chromatography.