Alkyl lactyllactate and alkoxylated alkyl lactyllactate compounds that are useful as solvents in a variety of applications are disclosed. The compounds are derived from a hydroxyl containing compound and a lactide or lactic acid source that has a specific chirality. The alkyl lactyllactate and alkoxylated alkyl lactyllactate compounds are particularly suitable for use as solvents in applications requiring cold tolerance performance without inclusion of additional volatile components.