INTRODUCTION

Thin 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 phase
The 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 are
An 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.
Lycopene
Lycopene a carotenoid (a family of natural pigments) in the same family as betacarotene 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.

CONCLUSION
Thin 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.