Some solvents are organic compounds that are used to dissolve other substances. Two common examples of solvents are ethers and acetones. Ethers are a group of organic compounds with the general formula R-O-R', where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups. Acetones are a type of ketone with the chemical formula CH3COCH3. They are colorless, volatile liquids with a characteristic odor. Both ethers and acetones are widely used as solvents in many industrial and commercial applications.