2916.12 - Esters of acrylic acid:

This category, HTS 2916.12, specifically encompasses esters derived from acrylic acid. These are organic compounds formed by the reaction of acrylic acid with an alcohol. They are characterized by the presence of the acrylic acid functional group (CH2=CHCOOH) esterified with various alcohols. These esters are widely used as monomers in the production of polymers and copolymers, finding applications in paints, coatings, adhesives, textiles, and plastics due to their versatile chemical properties and ability to polymerize.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, HTS 2916.12.00.00 is distinct from 2916.11.00.00, which covers acrylic acid and its salts, and 2916.13.00.00, which pertains to methacrylic acid and its salts. It also differs from 2916.14 (esters of methacrylic acid) by focusing solely on esters of acrylic acid, not its methylated counterpart. While other sibling categories address different classes of unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids or specific compounds like binapacryl, this heading is precisely for the ester derivatives of acrylic acid itself.

The subcategories within 2916.12 provide further refinement for classification. HTS 2916.12.10.00 is designated for aromatic esters of acrylic acid, meaning the alcohol component of the ester possesses an aromatic ring structure. The broader category, HTS 2916.12.50, covers all other esters of acrylic acid that do not fall under the "aromatic" designation, encompassing aliphatic and other non-aromatic ester derivatives. This subdivision allows for more precise tariff treatment based on the structural characteristics of the esterifying alcohol.