A new kind of rosin-type nucleating agent for polypropylene (PP), the cocrystal of dehydroabietic acid, potassium dehydroabietate, and sodium dehydroabietate, was prepared, and the effects of the nucleating agents on the mechanical and crystallization properties of PP were also studied. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction proved that the cocrystal of dehydroabietic acid and compound alkali dehydroabietate was formed rather than a simple blend of dehydroabietic acid and single alkali dehydroabietate. When it was added to PP, the size of the PP spherulite decreased; the mechanical properties, crystallization temperature, and transparency of PP were substantially improved. Thus, the cocrystal of dehydroabietic acid, potassium dehydroabietate, and sodium dehydroabietate acted as a more effective nucleating agent for PP. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.