A glycol ether is an organic chemical compound belonging to the ether family, derived from a glycol such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. In these molecules, one of the hydroxyl groups (–OH) of the glycol is replaced by an alkyl or aryl group, forming an ether linkage (–O–), while the other hydroxyl group may remain in the structure. This particular combination of chemical groups gives glycol ethers useful properties as solvents.

Because of their intermediate polarity, glycol ethers can dissolve both water-soluble substances and less polar organic compounds. For this reason, they are widely used as solvents in various industrial applications, including the production of paints, coatings, inks, detergents, and cleaning products. In paints, for example, they help keep pigments and other components evenly dispersed, contributing to a more uniform formulation.

In some technical applications, glycol ethers can also act as co-solvents or dispersing agents, meaning they help distribute solid particles evenly within a liquid mixture. In the ceramics sector they are not typical additives for traditional ceramic bodies, but they may be used as solvents in suspensions, coatings, or specialised technical formulations, where they help improve the stability and workability of the mixtures.