A film may be formed from film forming compositions which comprise at least one carboxamide based coalescing solvent. These coalescing solvents impart equivalent or improved wet-scrub resistance, block resistance, gloss, dirt pick-up resistance and leveling characteristics to the films on a substrate, without contributing to total VOC levels, when replacing conventional coalescing solvents. The present invention also includes a method for forming a film comprising applying a film forming composition comprising polyunsaturated reactive carboxamides to a substrate and curing the film under ambient conditions. The coalescing carboxamide solvents are suitable for paint, latex based caulk, adhesives and floor care applications.