Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (p-MHB) single crystals were growth from solvents like methanol and acetone using slow cooling technique. Solubility studies were made using these solvents at various temperatures. Metastable zone-width studies have been carried Out. Powder X-ray diffraction study has been carried out mid the lattice parameters were calculated. Various functional groups present in the grown material have been identified using-FTIR spectra. Proton NMR spectrum was recorded and the presence of hydrogen atoms in the molecule was determined. The transparency of crystal was tested using UV-visible spectrophotometer. The crystal is also tested for the mechanical strength using Vicker's hardness tester. Growth parameters were optimized mid big crystals were grown. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.