Paraffin is a mixture of solid saturated hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum through modern refining processes such as deoiling, distillation, crystallization, and hydrogenation. The main component is straight chain alkanes, with a large crystal structure and low molecular weight, thus presenting a semi transparent solid state. Paraffin dissolves in chloroform or ether and is almost insoluble in water or ethanol. Paraffin is suitable for ointments, suppositories, patches, etc., and plays a role in thickening, adjusting hardness, and shaping.