2916.12.50.20 - Methyl acrylate

This HTS category, specifically 2916.12.50.20, classifies methyl acrylate. Methyl acrylate is the methyl ester of acrylic acid, an unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor and is widely used as a monomer in the production of various polymers and copolymers, such as acrylic resins, coatings, adhesives, and textiles. Its chemical structure features a vinyl group and an ester functional group, making it highly reactive in polymerization processes.

Within the broader category of esters of acrylic acid, methyl acrylate is distinguished from its siblings by the specific alcohol group attached to the acrylate moiety. For instance, ethyl acrylate (2916.12.50.10) utilizes ethanol, while butyl acrylate (2916.12.50.30) uses butanol. The choice of the alcohol component significantly influences the physical properties and end-use applications of the resulting acrylate ester. This specific classification ensures accurate tariff collection based on the precise chemical composition of these acrylate derivatives.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification, there are no further subcategories under 2916.12.50.20. The classification stops at identifying methyl acrylate. The preceding levels have established the broader context of unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their esters, leading to the specific identification of methyl acrylate as a distinct commodity for international trade purposes.