2905.11 - Methanol (Methyl alcohol):

This HTS category encompasses methanol, also known as methyl alcohol. Methanol is the simplest alcohol, characterized by a single hydroxyl group attached to a methyl group. It is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a distinct odor, widely used as a solvent, a feedstock for various chemicals, and a fuel additive.

Within the broader category of saturated monohydric alcohols, methanol is distinguished by its chemical structure (CH₃OH), making it the most basic member of this alcohol family. Siblings such as propanols, butanols, octanols, and longer-chain alcohols (like dodecanol, hexadecanol, and octadecanol) differ from methanol by having longer alkyl chains and therefore different physical properties and applications.

This HTS heading is further subdivided to account for specific uses of methanol. Subcategory 2905.11.10.00 covers methanol that is specifically imported for use in the production of synthetic natural gas (SNG) or for direct use as a fuel. The remaining methanol, intended for other purposes such as chemical synthesis, solvent applications, or laboratory use, falls under subcategory 2905.11.20.