Background Information TLC stands for thin layer chromatography. This is an analytical technique widely used in the separation of compounds into their constituents. TLC entails the use of a thin, uniform sorbent layer immobilized on a firm, solid support usually made of glass, plastic or aluminium (Wall 2005). The uniform layer is mostly made of silica gel or alumina. TLC is a form of liquid-solid chromatography where the sample is applied as a streak or a tiny spot on the stationary phase. Capillary action aids the motion of the mobile phase, which moves through the stationary phase. The force of gravity and pressure can also play a substantial role in the advancement of the mobile phase (Fried & Sherma 2005). As the mobile phase passes through the stationary phase, it carries the constituents of the analyte with it causing different components to travel at different rates ( Thin layer chromatography n.d.). The mobile phase in TLC can either be a single solvent or a mixture of solvents, which can be organic or inorganic solvents (Fried & Sherma 2005). The rate of movement of substances depends on the extent of their adsorption to the stationary phase and the scope of their solubility in the mobile phase. At the end of the run, the separated components are visualised using ultraviolet light because the TLC plate is usually made of substances that fluoresce. Chemical treatment or derivatisation can also be used in cases where UV light visualization is not feasible (Wall 2005). “TLC can be used both as an analytical and a preparative technique” (Fried & Sherma 2005, p.1). Preparative TLC entails the separation of substances for further experimental uses whereas analytical TLC involves determining the presence and quantity of a given compound of interest in the analyte. For quantitative purposes, separated spots are scraped from the surface, eluted using a suitable buffer after which they are quantified (off-plate quantification). On-plate quantification is achieved using densitometry or radiochromatograph scanning where the plate is scanned at a fixed wavelength without upsetting it (Wall 2005). TLC is essential in a wide range of analytical applications such as defining and ensuring the quality of pharmaceutical drugs to guarantee user safety (“Introduction” 2007). Introduction Naphthoquinone (1,4-naphthoquinone) is an organic compound, which is a derivative of the “quinine” family ( What is 1,4-Naphthoquinone? n.d.). Vitamin K is a naturally occurring derivative of 1,4-naphthoquinone. Naphthoquinone is utilized as a raw material in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals among other chemicals. Therefore, it is essential that naphthoquinone is used in its most pure form. A sample of 1,4-naphthoquione purchased from Sigma Aldrich was 95% pure and had a brownish yellow colour instead of a pure yellow colour. A purification step was, therefore, carried out to obtain pure naphthoquinone. Method A makeshift column chromatography apparatus was made using a glass sinter funnel packed with 30 grams of silica powder. 15.078 grams of 1,4-naphthoquinone were placed on top of the makeshift column. The quinine was dissolved with dichloromethane (DC