The present invention relates to the use of pyrrolidones selected from the group of N-propyl-pyrrolidone, Nn-butylpyrrolidon, N-isobutylpyrrolidon, Nt-butylpyrrolidon, Nn-pentylpyrrolidon, N- (methyl-substituted-butyl) pyrrolidones and N- ( methoxypropyl) pyrrolidone as a solvent substitute in specific applications in which N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), an appropriate solvent that can be used. The invention also relates to a solvent comprising NMP and one or more pyrrolidones selected from said group, and to a solvent comprising a second solvent which is a replacement solvent for NMP and one or more pyrrolidones selected from said group.