Abstract: Described herein are solvents and co-solvents comprising anhydromevalonolactone (aMVL) and various industrial applications for such solvents. aMVL has a number of advantageous properties for use in solvent, including high boiling point, low melting point, low viscosity, non-flammability, water solubility, exceptionally low volatility, and excellent solvation capability. Exemplary industrial applications for solvents comprising aMVL include polymer manufacturing, polymer recycling, mold production, fiber production, membrane manufacturing, thermosetting paint manufacturing, coating manufacturing, coating removal, paint strippers, cleaning products, degreasing products, nitrile synthesis, alkylation, production of syngas, carbon-carbon cross-coupling reactions, metal organic framework synthesis, halogenation reactions, formation of pharmaceuticals, formation of fungicides and/or herbicides, seed treatment products, bioregulators, and electrolytes in batteries or capacitors.