Esters resemble ketones in being polar, water-soluble, but uncharged. They are used widely as solvents for organic molecules, and as lacquer and paint thinners. Ethyl acetate is the base for fingernail polish removers, and butyl acetate for model airplane glues. Amyl acetate , or banana oil, is a widely used lacquer base.

Esters can also be formed from alcohols and inorganic acids: