Ethylbenzene (CAS 100-41-4)
Ethylbenzene is a colorless flammable liquid classified as a cyclic hydrocarbon with the formula C6H5CH2CH3, consisting of a benzene ring substituted with an ethyl group. It falls under HTS 2902.60.00.00 as a separate chemically defined organic compound per Chapter 29 note (a). Primarily used as an intermediate in styrene production for polystyrene plastics.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If crude ethylbenzene from petroleum refining with <95% purity
Impure hydrocarbon mixtures from cracking processes fall under Chapter 27 as benzene/ethylbenzene mixtures, not Chapter 29 chemically defined compounds.
If ethylbenzene diluted in solvents for cleaning applications
Solvent mixtures exceed Chapter 29 scope if not meeting safety/transport put-up requirements of note (e).
If styrene monomer (vinylbenzene) misdeclared as ethylbenzene
Different chemical structure (C6H5CH=CH2) classifies under ethylbenzene's sibling subheading 2902.50 for other substituted benzenes.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Provide Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming ≥99% purity to verify classification as chemically defined compound under Chapter 29
• Ensure proper UN 1175 hazardous material documentation and IMDG/49 CFR labeling for flammable liquid transport
• Avoid misclassification as petroleum distillate; include GC-MS data distinguishing from mixtures
Related Products under HTS 2902.60.00.00
Industrial Grade Ethylbenzene 99.5%
High-purity ethylbenzene (99.5% min) used in petrochemical alkylation processes for styrene monomer synthesis. Meets Chapter 29 criteria as a separate chemically defined cyclic hydrocarbon under heading 2902.60. Classified here rather than Chapter 27 due to high purity and defined composition.
Ethylbenzene for Styrene Production
Refined ethylbenzene specifically produced via benzene alkylation for catalytic dehydrogenation to styrene. As a C8 aromatic with defined molecular structure, it qualifies under 2902.60.00.00 per Chapter 29 note (a) for separate chemically defined organic compounds.
Laboratory Reagent Ethylbenzene ACS Grade
ACS-certified ethylbenzene for analytical chemistry and organic synthesis research. High purity (99.8%+) meets Chapter 29 requirements for chemically defined compounds, distinguished from industrial grades by rigorous testing standards.
Polymerization Grade Ethylbenzene
Ultra-high purity ethylbenzene (99.9%+) with low benzene content (<50 ppm) for dehydrogenation reactors producing polystyrene precursor styrene. Classifies under 2902.60.00.00 as defined cyclic hydrocarbon per Chapter 29 exclusion from petroleum mixtures.