TOFA 185 and TOFA 180 are two refinement grades of the same raw material (tall oil fatty acids): TOFA 185 is higher in purity, offering a min. acid value of 185, max. 2% rosin acid and max. 4% unsaponifiables with a lighter (light yellow–amber) color; TOFA 180 has a min. acid value of 180, max. 3% rosin acid and max. 6% unsaponifiables and is intended for more economical, rosin-tolerant applications. Choose 185 for color-sensitive alkyd resins, inks and dimer acid; choose 180 for rosin-tolerant uses such as flotation, asphalt, soap and rubber.
Same raw material, two refinement levels
Both grades are bio-based fatty acids rich in oleic and linoleic acid, obtained by distilling crude tall oil. The difference between them is not the chemical family but the depth of refinement: TOFA 185 is purified further from rosin acids and unsaponifiable components during distillation, which means higher free fatty acid (higher acid value), lower rosin acid and lighter color.
TOFA 185 vs TOFA 180 comparison
When to choose TOFA 185
TOFA 185 is designed for applications where the color and purity of the finished product are critical. Its low rosin acid (max. 2%) reduces yellowing during esterification, its low unsaponifiable matter (max. 4%) improves resin clarity, and its light starting color enables white/pastel formulations.
- Color-sensitive alkyd resins and clear varnishes.
- Printing inks and binder systems with a narrow color tolerance.
- Dimer acid and polyamide resin production (low impurity = cleaner dimerization).
- High-performance adhesive systems.
When to choose TOFA 180
TOFA 180 is advantageous in cost-driven applications where a slight color or some rosin acid tolerance is acceptable in the finished product. Its higher tolerance for rosin acid (max. 3%) and unsaponifiable matter (max. 6%) means fewer refinement steps in distillation and therefore a more economical raw material.
- Collector chemistry in mining flotation.
- Bitumen/asphalt modification and road-construction additives.
- Industrial soap and saponification-based formulations.
- Rubber processing and metal cutting fluids.
Decision logic: color sensitivity or cost?
The choice essentially comes down to two questions: (1) How critical are color and clarity in the finished product? (2) Can some rosin acid and unsaponifiable matter be tolerated in the formulation? If color is critical and tolerance is narrow, choose TOFA 185; if color is flexible and cost matters, TOFA 180 is the right choice. Since both grades have a min. iodine value of 150, their unsaturation/drying performance stays similar; the difference is mainly in purity and color.
Safe handling
Are TOFA 185 and TOFA 180 the same chemical?
Yes, both are tall oil fatty acids. The difference is not the chemical family but the refinement level: 185 offers a higher acid value, lower rosin acid and lighter color.
Is 185 or 180 more suitable for alkyd resin?
TOFA 185 is more suitable for color-sensitive, clear or white/pastel alkyd resins; its low rosin acid and light color reduce yellowing. For applications with wide color tolerance, 180 can also be used.
Is there an iodine value difference between the two grades?
No, both grades have a min. iodine value of 150, so unsaturation and therefore oxidative drying/dimerization performance are similar. The main difference is in purity and color.
Why is TOFA 180 more economical?
Its higher tolerance for rosin acid (max. 3%) and unsaponifiable matter (max. 6%) requires fewer refinement steps in distillation, making TOFA 180 more economical for rosin-tolerant applications.
Which grade should I choose for dimer acid production?
TOFA 185 is preferred for dimer acid and polyamide production because low impurity yields cleaner dimerization and a lighter-colored product.