Described is a class of symmetrical and asymmetrical N-alkyl lactam ethers. One preferred ether is bis-N-ethyl pyrrolidone ether. Preferred compositions and uses of the ethers are in performance chemicals, personal care, and pharmaceutical fields, where they function a variety of roles, including as a solvent, solubilizer, freezing point depressor, diluent, extracting agent, cleaning agent, degreaser, absorbent and/or dispersion agent.