Ethylene glycol ether refers to a group of organic compounds derived from ethylene glycol, which is a simple diol. These ethers are characterized by their ether functional group, where an oxygen atom is bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups. They are commonly used as solvents in various industrial applications due to their ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. These compounds are often found in products like paints, coatings, and cleaning agents. Ethylene glycol ethers are valued for their low volatility and high solvency power, making them effective in enhancing the performance of formulations in which they are used.