2909.50.20.00 - Guaiacol and its derivatives

This classification covers guaiacol and its chemical derivatives. Guaiacol is a naturally occurring organic compound found in wood smoke, creosote, and various plants, often recognized for its characteristic phenolic odor. Derivatives in this category are compounds chemically modified from guaiacol, such as through esterification, etherification, or other functional group alterations, while retaining the core guaiacol structure. These substances typically find use as intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, flavorings, fragrances, and other specialty chemicals.

Within the ether-phenols and their derivatives grouping, this specific HTS code distinguishes itself by focusing broadly on guaiacol and its related compounds. Its sibling category, 2909.50.10.00, specifically enumerates 4-ethylguaiacol, a particular derivative. This means that while 4-ethylguaiacol would be classified under the specific sibling, all other chemically defined guaiacol derivatives not otherwise specified are classified under 2909.50.20.00. The "Other" designation at this level clarifies that this category acts as a residual classification for guaiacol derivatives that do not fit into more precisely defined sibling categories.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories under 2909.50.20.00. Classification at this level relies on confirming the chemical identity of the imported substance as either guaiacol itself or a derivative thereof. Crucially, any compound that is a halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivative of guaiacol, or other ether-phenols falling outside of specifically enumerated categories, would also fall under this broad classification if it is not separately classified elsewhere.