A novel noncentrosymmetric crystal was prepared from 1,3-dimethylurea dimethylammonium picrate, C(11)H(18)N(6)O(8) (DMUP), which was designed for second harmonic generation. DMUP crystals exist in noncentro symmetric space group Cmc2(1) with unit cell dimensions a = 14.288(4) angstrom, b = 17.023(5)angstrom, c = 6.8268(13) angstrom, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees and volume = 1660.5(8) angstrom(3). The crystal structure of DMUP has been determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The single crystals of DMUP were successfully grown by the slow evaporation method with dimensions 10 mm x 4 mm x 3 mm using dimethylformamide as solvent. The structural perfection of the grown crystals has been analysed by High-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) rocking curve measurements. Powder test with Neodymium-doped Yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser radiation shows a high second harmonic generation (SHG). The laser induced surface damage threshold for the grown crystal was measured using Nd:YAG laser. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.