3402.42.20.20 - Esters and ether-esters of polyhydric alcohols

This HTS classification covers esters and ether-esters derived from polyhydric alcohols, which function as organic surface-active agents. These compounds are characterized by the presence of ester or ether linkages with polyols (alcohols containing multiple hydroxyl groups). Their primary use is in formulations that alter surface tension, making them suitable for a wide range of applications including emulsification, dispersion, wetting, and detergency. Examples might include sorbitan esters, glycerol esters, or ethoxylated and propoxylated polyhydric alcohols where the linkage is through ether bonds.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 3402.42.20.10 "Polyethers," is crucial. While both involve polyhydric alcohols, this category specifically focuses on compounds where the polyhydric alcohol has undergone esterification or ether-esterification. The sibling category, "Polyethers," would primarily encompass compounds formed through the etherification of polyhydric alcohols with alkylene oxides, resulting in a chain of ether linkages, without the ester functionality.

As this node represents a leaf within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification at this level requires careful consideration of the chemical structure, confirming the presence of both the ester or ether-ester linkage to a polyhydric alcohol and its function as an organic surface-active agent. The absence of further subdivisions indicates that specific chemical composition and the nature of the ester/ether-ester bond are the primary determinants for classification within this group.